21
"Father,' the son said, "I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.'
22
But the father called to his servants. "Hurry!' he said. "Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet.
23
Then go and get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast!
24
For this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.' And so the feasting began.
25
"In the meantime the older son was out in the field. On his way back, when he came close to the house, he heard the music and dancing.
26
So he called one of the servants and asked him, "What's going on?'
27
"Your brother has come back home,' the servant answered, "and your father has killed the prize calf, because he got him back safe and sound.'
28
The older brother was so angry that he would not go into the house; so his father came out and begged him to come in.
29
But he spoke back to his father, "Look, all these years I have worked for you like a slave, and I have never disobeyed your orders. What have you given me? Not even a goat for me to have a feast with my friends!
30
But this son of yours wasted all your property on prostitutes, and when he comes back home, you kill the prize calf for him!'
31
"My son,' the father answered, "you are always here with me, and everything I have is yours.