Community Lenten Bible Study

The Five Wednesdays of Lent

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Henri J.M. Nouwen

Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son

As Nouwen reflects on Rembrandt’s painting in light of his own life journey, he evokes a powerful drama of the classic parable in a rich, captivating way that is sure to reverberate in the hearts of readers. Nouwen probes the several movements of the parable: the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder son’s resentfulness, and the father’s compassion. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as God loves, and to be loved as God’s beloved, will be seen as the ultimate revelation of the parable known to Christians throughout time, and is here represented with a vigor and power fresh for our times.  Join the congregations of Woodbury for a five-week study and table fellowship.

Christ Episcopal Church

62 Delaware Street Woodbury, NJ 08096

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Soup Supper
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Bible Study

  • February 22                Ash Wednesday
  • March 1                      PROLOGUE & INTRODUCTION pp.1-23
  • March 15                    THE ELDER SON                                      pp.59-88       
  • March 8                     THE YOUNGER SON                                 pp.25-58
  • March 22                   THE FATHER                                              pp.89-119                  
  • March 29                   CONCLUSION & EPILOGUE                   pp.120-139    
  • April 2                        Palm/Passion Sunday
  • April 6                        Maundy Thursday
  • April 7                        Good Friday
  • April 8                        Great Vigil of Easter April 9                        EASTER SUNDAY