Um Jantar Pra Jesus

Padre Reginaldo Manzotti's song "Um Jantar Pra Jesus" is a touching narrative that beautifully encapsulates the essence of charity, compassion, and the Christian teaching of seeing Jesus in every person. The song tells the story of a man who invites Jesus to dinner, preparing a simple meal with the utmost care and love. However, before Jesus arrives, the man is visited by a beggar and a child, both in desperate need of food and attention. Despite his initial hesitation, the man shares his meal with them, giving away parts of the chicken he had prepared for Jesus.

The song's narrative is rich with metaphors and Christian symbolism. The beggar and the child represent the marginalized and needy in society, and the man's act of sharing his meal symbolizes the Christian virtue of charity. When Jesus finally arrives, He reveals that He was present in the beggar and the child, teaching the man that acts of kindness towards the least fortunate are acts of kindness towards Jesus Himself. This powerful message is a direct reference to the biblical passage in Matthew 25:40, where Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

The song also emphasizes the joy and fulfillment that come from acts of charity. The repeated line, "É feliz o homem que tem caridade e que traz o amor em seu coração" ("Happy is the man who has charity and brings love in his heart"), reinforces the idea that true happiness and spiritual fulfillment are found in selfless acts of love and kindness. Padre Reginaldo Manzotti, known for his work in spreading Christian values through music, uses this song to remind listeners of the importance of compassion and the profound impact it can have on both the giver and the receiver.