Dear molly2112-ga;
Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to answer your interesting
question.
Clearly, this quote appears to be a reference to the Biblical parable
of the “prodigal son” (aka, The Parable of the Lost Son) found in the
Holy Bible in the Chapter of Luke.
At the dismay of his father, a beloved son chose to leave his father’s
home and go out into the world. After having been gone from his home
for some time and having squandered his wealth, the son, who was very
much loved and sorely missed, eventually returns. In spite of all the
son’s failures, upon his return the Bible says:
KING JAMES VERSION OF THE HOLY BIBLE – LUKE 15:18-20
18) I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I
have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19) And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy
hired servants.
20) And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great
way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on
his neck, and kissed him.
BIBLE GATEWAY
http://www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?passage=LUKE+15&language=english&version=KJV
Another translation of the Holy Bible depicts the scene this way:
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION OF THE HOLY BIBLE – LUKE 15:18-20
18) I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I
have sinned against heaven and against you.
19) I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of
your hired men.'
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.
BIBLE GATEWAY
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=LUKE+15&language=english&version=NIV
Either way, it is clear that the quote in your book somehow relates to
this parable, perhaps indicating the significance of the returning
loved one in the face of humility, but welcomed in the spirit of love
and forgiveness.
I hope you find that my research exceeds your expectations. If you
have any questions about my research please post a clarification
request prior to rating the answer. Otherwise I welcome your rating
and your final comments and I look forward to working with you again
in the near future. Thank you for bringing your question to us.
Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga
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