Those Dang Franciscans!
O Happy Fault!
A few weeks ago, the priest at daily Mass shared a profound thought that I've never really thought of. He referred to the line in the Exsultet (the thing the deacon, priest, or cantor sings at Easter Vigil after the Paschal candle is placed in the sanctuary): "O happy fault/that earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer!" The "happy fault" mentioned is the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, called "happy," because it necessitated Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
Father called us all out, though, and asked us if we ever say "O happy fault!" to ourselves when a coworker, friend, family member, spouse, etc., does something to annoy, disappoint, offend, or even harm us. After all, all of these are opportunities for us to deny ourselves, offer our hardship up to God, etc. In some ways, these are our own crosses, which Christ calls us to pick up and follow Him. Father also added that he'll try to say "O happy fault!" to himself the next time he attends a parish council meeting.
Recommended Stories
About the Author
Nick Modelski is a permanently professed Secular Franciscan, an ordained Reader in the Ukrainan Catholic Church, and a loving husband and father. Graduating from Madonna University in 2008 with a major in Psychology and a minor in English (with some healthy doses of theology and philosophy), Nick completed a year of National Service through the Americorps*VISTA program at his alma mater. He then worked for 3 and a half years in Southern Illinois with the USDA, Forest Service’s Job Corps program, all the while discerning his vocation. After considering the Franciscan Order for some time, Nick felt most called to the married life with long-time friend, Maria (they first met at daily Mass during college).
Their little family lives liturgically in southern Minnesota on "Pisanki Farms" (named after traditionally decorated Polish easter eggs). Nick also teaches history online for a Catholic homeschooling program.
His other interests include nature, history, literature, film, music, prayer, theology, philosophy, the Internet, and service.
