FAITH MATTERS
Easter reflection: We are desperately in need of the peace rooted in love offered by Jesus
At this time of year, we celebrate the fact something good can come from something bad and sadness can be transformed to joy, writes Bishop Gerard Bergie.
April 4, 2026
By Bishop Gerard Bergie
Contributing Columnist
In the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition, at the beginning of the Easter Vigil, the Exsultet (let them exult) is proclaimed in song.
The Exsultet is an ancient hymn of praise, also known as the Easter Proclamation. It is chanted by a deacon or priest after lighting the Paschal candle, celebrating Christ’s victory over darkness and sin.
In one of the verses of this ancient hymn we find the following words, “O truly necessary sin of Adam, destroyed completely by the Death of Christ! O happy fault that earned so great, so glorious a redeemer!”
Heaven and earth are called to exult because of God’s triumph over sin and death.
This seems reasonable; however, in this passage, we are also called to acknowledge joyfully the theological paradox found in the fact that without the sin of Adam, we would not have received “so glorious a redeemer.”
This ‘happy fault’ (felix culpa) created something very good in the coming of Jesus Christ. This is something that is much more challenging for us.
As we look around us today, we see a world that is filled with so many faults that do not make us very happy. The world has been redeemed in Christ; however, the effects of sin are still with us.
Can good come from something that is bad? From a faith perspective, the simple answer is yes. This is why we call the day that Jesus died on the cross Good Friday.
The Feast of Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and reminds us that from death comes life. We celebrate the fact that something good can come from something bad. Sadness can be transformed to joy. Jesus had to suffer and die to ensure that we would have eternal life with him.
We can feel overwhelmed when faced with the growing hostility and insecurity in our world. It can seem to some that evil is triumphing over good.
Our response should not be one of passive resignation or fear. We need to turn to our Risen Lord who has triumphed over sin and evil. We should focus on the good that is found in our salvation — “O truly necessary sin of Adam, destroyed completely by the Death of Christ!” (Exsultet)
Easter reminds us that Jesus is the victor!
After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to many to give them his peace and to turn their sorrow to joy. He allowed them to deal with their grief and turn discouragement to hope.
Mary Magdalene is a perfect example of this transformation. After she encountered the Risen Jesus, Mary proceeded to share her experience with others by stating, “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18).
When we seem to be mired in sin, confusion and the ugliness of war and conflict, to witness to Christ points the world to what is good, true and beautiful. This gives us great hope because we believe that things can change for the better.
We also know from the Gospel of John (John 20:19, 20:21, 20:26) and the Gospel of Luke (Luke 24:36), that the first words of the Risen Lord are, “Peace be with you.”
At this moment in time, our world is desperately in need of that peace that is rooted in love. This is what Jesus offered to his followers after his resurrection. He also offers it to each one of us.
This Easter let us adjust our gaze from a world that still suffers from the effects of sin to the Risen Lord who offers healing and hope. May we truly believe that despite all the problems, good can still triumph.
“O happy fault that earned so great, so glorious a redeemer!”