Self-deception and sin

A moral theology professor used to make jokes about liberal theologians "who take away the sin of the world" by minimizing the reality or effects of personal sin to the point of nonexistence.

It is amazing that anyone can look at this world today, from the horrors of genocide to the collateral damage of personal selfishness, and deny the reality of sin or disconnect people from any responsibility, but that is what is put forward by too many "facile prophets of happiness" (to use the Holy Father's phrase from this Christmas' Urbi et Orbi).

The words from today's first reading (1 John 1:5-2:2) speak directly to this treacherous self-deception with the light of truth and forgiveness that is real.

This is the message
that we have heard from Jesus Christ
and proclaim to you:
God is light,
and in him there is no darkness at all.

If we say, "We have fellowship with him,"
while we continue to walk in darkness,
we lie and do not act in truth.

But if we walk in the light
as he is in the light,
then we have fellowship with one another,
and the Blood of his Son Jesus
cleanses us from all sin.

If we say, "We are without sin,"
we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.

If we acknowledge our sins,
he is faithful and just
and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.

If we say, "We have not sinned,"
we make him a liar,
and his word is not in us.

My children, I am writing this to you
so that you may not commit sin.

But if anyone does sin,
we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous one.

He is expiation for our sins,
and not for our sins only
but for those of the whole world.

Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living God, be merciful to me - a sinner.