Jesus told this story: “There was once a rich man who had two sons. One day  the youngest son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the house and land now.’ So the man divided his property between his two sons.

After a few days the younger son sold his part and left home with the money. He went to a country far away where he was sure he would have a good time.

The youngest son spent all his money on parties and expensive things that he didn't need. Soon he had no money left.

Things became even worse for the young man because at that time there was also a famine and so there was no food to eat anywhere. The son was so poor that he had to work at the only job he could find, looking after pigs. He was so hungry that even the pigs' food look good.

The son began to realise that he had been really silly. He decided to go home and ask his father if he could work for him. But when he was still quite a way from the house his father came running down the road to meet him. The father threw his arms around his son and kissed him.

The son asked his father if he could work for him. But the father was so pleased to have his son back alive that he forgave him for everything he had done. He also gave his son a new robe and ring and planned a great party to celebrate.

Not everyone was happy though. When the oldest son heard about the party he was very angry. He didn't think that his brother who had wasted so much money deserved a party. The father came out and spoke to his son, 'You are always here with me and everything I have is yours. I love you very much. But today I am happy because your brother is safe and well. Remember I love you both.'