Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied,

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Thus I grant to you a kingdom, just as my Father granted to me,

So the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him.

For all the nations of the world pursue these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is well pleased to give you the kingdom.

But the older son became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and appealed to him,

All things have been given to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son decides to reveal him.”

When his parents saw him, they were overwhelmed. His mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.”

If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way from home his father saw him, and his heart went out to him; he ran and hugged his son and kissed him.

But the father said to his slaves, ‘Hurry! Bring the best robe, and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet!

The slave replied, ‘Your brother has returned, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he got his son back safe and sound.’

On that same occasion Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your gracious will.