The image shown is entitled, The Penitent Thief. The lower hand is that of the penitent criminal in Luke 23. This criminal, crucified next to Jesus, is sometimes referred to as Dismas. The middle hand is that of the second thief crucified next to Jesus. Finally, the topmost hand is […]
The first image shown is entitled The Prodigal Son in the Tavern, aka, The Prodigal Son in a Brothel. It is a depiction of the artist Rembrandt and his wife Saskia in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Yes, this is the same Rembrandt that painted The Return of the […]
In the surreal Prodigal Son image I have inserted numerous references to Christ. Last week, we discussed the reflection of Christ in the pool of water. Christ can also be found in the unusual rock that dominates the scene. (Please see the July 30th, 2017 blog for the full image.) […]
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” “So the last will be first, and the first last.” “Blessed are you who are poor…” “Love your enemies…” These sayings from Jesus run counter to our cultural values. Each statement causes one to pause and wonder. The statements are somewhat shocking, […]
The Prodigal Son’s behavior was bad. Seriously bad. The first century Palestinian audience, hearing the parable from Jesus’ lips, may have recalled Deuteronomy 21: 18 – 21. 18 “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his […]
Its late. A layer of thick black paint covers the area around my eyes, including my eyelids. I add black streaks that run from my eyes down my cheeks. In 1976 there aren’t a lot of product options for hair. I borrow a can of cheap hairspray and go to […]
