"Isn't there a subtle pressure in both the Church & society to remain a dependent child? Hasn't the Church in the past stressed obedience in a fashion that made it hard to claim spiritual fatherhood, & hasn't our consumer society encouraged us to indulge in childish self-gratification? Who has truly challenged us to liberate ourselves from immature dependencies & to accept the burden of responsible adults? And aren't we ourselves constantly trying to escape the fearful task of fatherhood?"
"God's compassion is described by Jesus not simply to show me how willing God is to feel for me, or to forgive me my sins & offer me new life & happiness, but to invite me to become like God & to show the same compassion to others as he is showing to me."
"The return to the Father is ultimately the challenge to become the Father."
The Return of the Prodigal Son: Henri Nouwen
