Sunday of the Needy with the Lord’s Supper of Reconciliation

Each one of us has the need to feel complete. A complete family, good finances, successful business or career, happy marriage, good health and others. But most people don’t have these in their lives. It’s either one is missing or nothing at all.

That’s where the need for peace, joy and love grows inside their hearts.

This coming Sunday will be the Sunday of the Needy. It is for those who need

God to fill the void in their hearts and the physical things mentioned above.

We will also have the Lord’s Supper of Reconciliation for those who want to

be reconciled with God after leaving not only the church but leaving His

presence. Have you already heard about the parable of The Prodigal Son? (Luke 15:11-31) The parable begins by emphasizing that there were two sons, not one. While attention usually centers on the younger son—his rebellion, fall, and his return— the story goes deeper. It also speaks of the son who stayed.

When the younger son returns and is welcomed with joy, the older brother reacts

with anger and refuses to join the celebration (Luke 15:28). His resentment is directed not only at his brother, whom he calls “this son of yours,” to his father but mainly at his father. Resentment and bitterness break bonds. The younger son was forgiven and restored. The older son remained outside, holding resentment toward both his brother and his father—though the father committed no wrong. The older son's resentment grew from comparison, a feeling of superiority, and the idea that he deserved more because he "never made a mistake." In the end, his mistake was more serious than his brother's; he allowed bitterness to take over his heart. This parable reflects two realities today: prodigal sons outside the church, wounded and far from home; and “older brothers” inside the church present in

body, but bitter in heart. Disappointment, frustration, a sense of injustice, or simply being contradicted caused them to harbor resentment. And that holds them back in life. What’s written in the Bible is clear: forgiveness heals and restores while

resentment poisons the heart and destroys from within. Stop for a moment and pray. Ask God to reveal any hidden anger or resentment in your heart.

Join us this coming Sunday, January 25 at 10 am and decide to forgive—not

because the other person deserves it, but because you need to be free.

It will be a powerful Sunday and a great opportunity for you to be reconciled

with God. Here at Simbahang Universal, General Roxas Avenue, Araneta City, Cubao or at

a Simbahang Universal near you.