Praying with Bartolomé Esteban Murillo’s "The Return of the Prodigal Son"
Discover the powerful grace of God in Murillo’s Return of the Prodigal Son, where forgiveness meets restoration. This episode invites viewers to reflect on their own place in the story and to hear God’s call to welcome and celebrate. Join in the invitation to live out God’s mercy and joy in your everyday life.
Luke 15:20-24
In this episode of Art and Prayer, Rev. Rob McPherson invites viewers into the welcoming grace of God as revealed in Bartolomé Esteban Murillo’s The Return of the Prodigal Son. Painted for the hospice church of Saint George Hospital in Seville, Spain, this large canvas captures one of Jesus’ most beloved parables—the story of forgiveness, repentance, and restoration.
The parable unfolds with a younger son who demands his inheritance early, squanders it, and finds himself destitute and hungry. Recognizing his brokenness, he returns home humbled, prepared to accept the status of a hired servant. Instead, his father runs to embrace him, calling for celebration and restoration, while the older son watches in the shadows, grappling with his own feelings. Murillo’s painting brings this powerful moment to life with vivid details: the ragged clothing of the returning son contrasted with the rich garments of the father, the servants ready with a robe, ring, and shoes, the butcher and calf signaling a feast, and even the joyful presence of a dog.
Viewers are encouraged to enter into contemplative prayer by observing these details, reflecting on their own emotional and spiritual identification with each figure in the scene. The episode features a reading from Luke 15:20-24, inviting personal reflection on God’s message of grace and reconciliation. What might God be saying through the father’s open arms today? How might one respond to such a profound invitation?
The episode closes with an encouragement to carry this message forward—living as agents of God’s welcoming love and joining the celebration of restoration in daily life. Rev. Rob invites viewers to share their reflections and responses, hoping that the parable and painting will inspire both personal transformation and compassionate outreach.
