About sin

We must continue to be aware of our sinfulness, our weakness as human persons, but also of our specific sins and failings. To be sensitive of conscience is not to wallow in guilt, but to be a free, responsible person. If we wish to remain free persons, then we must admit to wrong motives and wrongdoing. Knowing God is good means that we nexer despair but freely turn to him for forgiveness.

Yes, sin is still around --- and in abundance. It will be with us forever, as long as we have free will. The battle between light and darkness is far from over and the struggle continues within us. Our entrance into Christ's death and resurrection at baptism gives us the assurance, however, that sin will not prevail. Christianity is realistic about sin, but also optimistic. God continues to love us --- even in our sinfulness. "But if we acknowledge our sins, he who is just can be trusted to forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrong. If we say, 'We have never sinned,' we make him a liar and his word finds no place in us. ....My little ones, I am writing this to keep you from sin. But if anyone should sin, we have, in the presence of the Father, Jesus Christ, an intercessor for those of the whole world" (1 Jn 1:9-10; 2:1-2)

[Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., All God's People, Paulist Press, 1985, p. 65]
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