Dili, December 26, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Catholic faithful of Santo António Motael Parish celebrated the Christmas Mass in an atmosphere filled with love, peace, and harmony.
In his homily, the Parish Priest of Motael, Father Guilhermino da Silva, said that dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the night of Jesus Christ’s birth is not an ordinary night, not merely another passing night, nor a night in which everything changes by itself. This night is holy and sacred, a night in which God fulfills His promise, proclaimed from generation to generation, now realized at this very altar.
“This night marks God’s decision to come and dwell among humanity as His beloved Son. God comes down to meet us and invites us to enter into His dwelling place. We stand before a great mystery, where two worlds meet, the divine world that descends to earth and the human world that God lifts toward heaven,” said Father Guilhermino da Silva.
The parish priest explained that God no longer remains distant in heaven nor speaks only through the law, but has come down in human flesh, entering fully into human life with all its fragility, suffering, and limitations. The Child lying in the manger is God made human, offering hope to those who feel without value or dignity through God’s love.
“Human weakness makes it impossible for people to reach God’s love on their own; therefore, God Himself comes to meet humanity, bringing light to show the right path,” he added.
The priest emphasized that the Prophet Isaiah wrote that the people who lived in darkness have seen a great light. This word is not only a prophecy for the future, but a reality revealed on this holy night, sin has extinguished the light of life.
“Sin leads us into darkness, fear, and guilt, causing us to live under pressure, constantly seeking happiness yet never truly finding it. But this light comes from heaven, taking human form to dwell among us. This is Christmas, the moment when the light is no longer far away in heaven, but present in our lives,” Father Guilhermino affirmed.
He further underlined that God did not come with force, power, or armies, but in the form of a small child, gentle and humble. Christmas reveals God’s logic, which is different from human logic. While humans seek salvation through power, God brings salvation through humility. While people desire a strong and mighty ruler, God comes as a fragile child, descending to lift up fallen humanity.
“The Gospel of Saint Luke describes this divine event with great simplicity, yet profound meaning. Jesus was not born in a king’s palace but in a stable; He was not welcomed by rulers, but by shepherds, simple and humble people, those who were often ignored. In the silent darkness of Bethlehem, God seems to say: ‘I want to enter into your vulnerability; I am not far from your weaknesses; I am not afraid to know your sins,’” Father Guilhermino emphasized.
The priest explained that Christmas is God’s response to humanity’s miserable and vulnerable condition. Therefore, the very existence of Christmas is a celebration of God’s mercy, as Saint Paul states in his letter to Titus, where the saving grace of God has appeared. God comes not because humanity deserves it, but because humanity needs salvation.
He further explained that mercy exists because sin exists; without illness, there would be no need for healing. Thus, Christmas is not a celebration of human perfection, but a celebration of God’s love descending into human imperfection. God’s Word on this holy night invites us to be honest with ourselves.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano