Sunday, December 7, 2025

Dear brother and sisters,

Many adolescents make a common mistake by letting a mix of carelessness, laziness, and procrastination stop them from preparing or completing their tasks on time. They delay their responsibilities until the last minute and only start when the pressure of a deadline forces them to. Poor time management and ineffective schedul-ing cause them to repeatedly put off their work. Some of them claim that they work “better under pressure” and enjoy the adrenaline rush of racing against time. As a result, they lack the time to carefully review im-portant details, reflect deeply on the task’s purpose, correct serious mistakes accurately, or produce the best outcomes. Under stress and anxiety, they struggle to stay focused and confident in their daily lives. They miss the opportunity to improve structure properly, plan creatively, think clearly, and wisely make right decisions.

To overcome this mistake, some adolescents commit to consistent and intentional practices that strengthen their awareness, discipline, and moral responsibility. They set clear goals, stay organized, and follow struc-tured timelines. By using tools such as reminders, schedules, and task lists, they manage deadlines effectively, eliminate distractions, and keep their attention fully on their work. Many also embrace spiritual practices, which help them overcome negative habits, maintain concentration, and live with inner peace, joy, and a sense of purpose on their path to success.

This reflection helps us understand the deep significance and urgency of this weekend’s Gospel passage. John the Baptist’s message may sound harsh at first, but in truth, it is a loving wake-up call to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord.

We are invited to make room for Baby Jesus not just in our personal lives, but within our families and com-munities. This preparation requires us to strip away pride, excuses, and spiritual complacency, so we can be fully open to a meaningful encounter with Emmanuel, “God with us.” As St. Leo the Great beautifully said: “Sadness should have no place on the birthday of life. The fear of death has been swallowed up; life brings us joy with the promise of eternal happiness. No one is shut out from this joy; all share the same reason for re-joicing. Our Lord, victor over sin and death, finding no man free from sin, came to free us all.” In the second week of this Advent season, let us not delay, but prepare intentionally and sincerely for the Promised One who brings eternal love, light, freedom, salvation and lasting peace to us and the whole world.

Sincerely yours in Jesus Christ and Our Lady of La Vang!

Reverend Kiet Anh Ta.