Are we liars?

Today's first reading talks about those who say they know Christ but do not keep his commandments. We might call these people "hypocrites;" St. John calls them "liars."

In truth, nearly all of us in some way fall short in obeying the commandments of Christ, in walking just as he walked, but such an observation excuses none of us.

What separates the hypocrites from the rest of us still striving toward perfection is the fact that we are striving, not content with our spiritual and moral status quo but continuing to examine our hearts, attitudes, words, actions and lack of action and trying by the grace of Christ to be more and more like him, so that our joy in him can be all the greater.