"This is the message"

Some Scripture passages require much explanation.

Today's first reading (1 John 1:5—2:2) is not one of those. The less I say, the better.

The more you and I really take these words to heart, infinitely better still.

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.