17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinnedf against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.g

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.h I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robei and put it on him. Put a ring on his fingerj and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again;k he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.l