1 John 3:7-8
Children, let no one deceive you. The person who acts in righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous. Whoever sins belongs to the devil.
You know the phrase, "it's right there in black and white." You also may have heard, "it's as plain as day." Two expressions with no middle; it is what it is. There's no denying it, no sugar coating, no excuses. Today's reading from 1st John lays out the truth in clear words. If you sin, you belong to the devil. If you act in righteousness, then you are righteous. As humans, created in sin, we try to cover our sin with excuses, "yeah, but's" and other ideas to cover ourselves. We sometimes come across pious in our workplace, church or neighborhoods, but in our hearts and in our actions we stumble. We think impure thoughts or act inappropriately that would be displeasing or shameful. We hurt others with our sinful, selfish actions.
But there is hope. Jesus, coming in glory, gives us the chance to wash away our sin through baptism. When we go to confession and experience the sacrament of reconciliation, Jesus wipes that sin away. We become with him in the Eucharistic celebration.
Like a new car right off the lot it shines. But as it rides down the road, it becomes dirty. It needs a good washing to become new. That's how sin and forgiveness work. Make sure not to stay too far away from the car wash or confessional this year!
