Endless Love

The Return of the Prodigal by Anto Carte, 1920

In this poignant depiction of the returning prodigal son, Anto Carte draws us into the heart of the story.

The landscape is desolate, snow-laden, and frigid. Trees stand bare, devoid of foliage. In the distance, the cottage is enveloped in snow.

The father has journeyed some distance from his cottage to meet the son on the hillside. The son bears a torn shirt and no footwear. He must be acutely aware of the cold. His feet must endure discomfort after traversing the snow. All his possessions are gone. He lacks a place to call home. He is a wanderer. He has reached the end of his road. He is unsure as he approaches his father. Will he face rejection?

But his father embraces him as only a father can. He gazes directly into his eyes, conveying an overwhelming sense of mercy, compassion, and unconditional acceptance.

Such an extraordinary encounter between the son and his father answers two of his most urgent questions: Will my father accept me? Am I worthy of his love? Father’s embrace and his intent gaze provide resounding, unequivocal answers to these questions with a resounding “yes.”

Will I be accepted? Do I deserve his love?

For many of us, these questions are real. We struggle to hear the “yes.” Or we imagine that our father would reject us if only he knew our past. Consequently, we find ourselves frustrated and hopeless, moving from one desire to the next in search of our home.

Regardless of our past.. he embraces us with his infinite love

However, Jesus presents us with this parable to convey this profound character of God. Regardless of our past, regardless of our sins of omission or commission, we remain his most cherished son or daughter. Heavenly Father embraces us with his infinite love. We never need to doubt his love or our adequacy. He waits longingly for our home coming!

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