The picture above is Rembrandt's "The Return of the Prodigal Son." In the devotion, the author points out that the left hand in the painting is more masculine, pulling the son close. The right hand is more feminine, reflecting a sense of gentleness. The hands portray both the strength and compassion of the father.
Our Lord's hands were used with both strength and compassion. He overturned tables of the moneychangers in the temple, but also healed the man blind from birth as he touched his eyes. He worked with his hands in his father's carpentry shop, but also received nails through his hands as he was crucified on the cross. Tonight, Maundy Thursday, we remember how he used his hands to humbly wash the feet of his disciples, and to break the bread for his disciples saying, "This is my body, given for you."
In what ways do you use your hands? Like so many things, they can be used for evil or for good. The father's hands were used to strongly and compassionately embrace his lost son when he returned home. How can you use your hands today to express God's love to another?
I loved learning about the father's hands in this painting! Thanks for the challenge to be aware of how I use my hands.
ReplyDeleteI loved learning about the father's hands in this painting! Thanks for the challenge to be aware of how I use my hands.
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