Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz Episode: What Never Dies
Release Date: April 19, 2025

Introduction and Theme

In the April 20, 2025 episode of Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz, titled "What Never Dies," Fr. Mike delves deep into the pervasive presence of darkness in our lives and the enduring elements that transcend it. Rooted in the Gospel reading from John 20:1-9, Fr. Mike explores how faith, love, and the promise of eternal life shine through even the darkest moments.

Acknowledging the Reality of Darkness

Fr. Mike begins by reflecting on the Easter Vigil’s symbolic darkness, emphasizing its authenticity and the realness of human suffering. He states:

"Darkness is real. That sadness is real, that grief is real, that loss is real." [04:15]

He underscores that acknowledging this darkness is essential, as it mirrors the uncertainties and pains we face daily. This acknowledgment serves as a foundation for understanding the hope that Christianity offers.

Faith Amidst Destruction: Examples of Resilience

Fr. Mike provides powerful historical and personal examples to illustrate how individuals have risen above darkness through faith and action.

Takashi Nagai

• Background: A Japanese Catholic radiologist who survived the Nagasaki atomic bombing.
• Struggle: Despite saving countless lives, Nagai recognized that death ultimately prevails.
• Insight: Fr. Mike highlights Nagai's realization that while technological advancements can delay death, they cannot prevent it entirely.

"Ultimately death wins. ... All around him was destruction. All around him was darkness." [12:30]

• Faith: Nagai maintained his faith amidst devastation, believing that what cannot be destroyed is the faith of the people and the love of God.

Helen Keller

• Background: An American woman who became deaf and blind due to illness in her early years.
• Achievements: Overcame her disabilities with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, becoming the first deaf-blind person to graduate from college.
• Compassion: Inspired by compassion, Keller exemplified profound empathy and service despite her own darkness.

"Unless you've walked in darkness, you can't help wanderers find the way." [22:45]

Mary Magdalene and Peter

• Mary Magdalene: Came to Jesus' tomb while it was still dark, symbolizing unwavering faith amidst uncertainty.
• Peter: Despite denying Jesus, Peter sought understanding in the darkness, ultimately believing in the resurrection.

"Mary came while it was still dark. Darkness is real, but so is her action." [16:20]

The Message of Hope: What Never Dies

Central to Fr. Mike's homily is the assertion that amidst destruction, death, and darkness, certain truths and divine elements remain indestructible.

"Faith of our people, the love of God and the promise of eternal life." [34:10]

He emphasizes that these elements provide a foundation of hope that transcends even the most challenging circumstances. This unending faith and divine love form the bedrock upon which individuals can build resilience and purpose.

Jesus’ Triumph Over Darkness

Fr. Mike ties the discussion back to Jesus' resurrection, portraying it as the ultimate victory over darkness and death.

"Jesus got up in the darkness and did what he could and declares that destruction and death and darkness do not and cannot have the last word." [29:55]

He explains that Jesus’ resurrection is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the face of ultimate despair, there is redemption and renewal. This triumph enables believers to confront their own struggles with the assurance that they are not alone and that there is a path to transformation.

Sacraments as Touch Points of Faith

Fr. Mike highlights the role of sacraments in reinforcing faith and providing tangible connections to the divine.

• Baptism: Marks the moment of being claimed by God.
• Confirmation: Strengthens the individual with the Holy Spirit.
• Eucharist: Nourishes the soul with the presence of Christ.

"The moment you were baptized, you were claimed by the one who never dies." [40:25]

He shares the story of Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician and philosopher, who experienced a mystical encounter with Jesus in darkness. Pascal's commitment to his faith, documented in a personal note, serves as an example of how sacred moments can anchor one's belief even in the bleakest times.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Fr. Mike concludes by encouraging listeners to recognize the presence of God in their darkest moments. He reinforces the idea that while darkness and suffering are real, they do not define the entirety of existence. Instead, the enduring elements of faith and divine love offer a path to rise above adversity.

"In destruction, in death, in darkness, we can get up and do what we can." [49:40]

He urges believers to hold onto their faith, participate in the sacraments, and remember that even in the deepest darkness, God is present and unyielding. This steadfastness ensures that what never dies—faith, love, and the promise of eternal life—continues to illuminate the path forward.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Acknowledging Darkness:

  "Darkness is real. That sadness is real, that grief is real, that loss is real." [04:15]

• Takashi Nagai on Death:

  "Ultimately death wins. ... All around him was destruction. All around him was darkness." [12:30]

• Helen Keller on Compassion:

  "Unless you've walked in darkness, you can't help wanderers find the way." [22:45]

• Mary Magdalene and Peter:

  "Mary came while it was still dark. Darkness is real, but so is her action." [16:20]

• Core Message of Hope:

  "Faith of our people, the love of God and the promise of eternal life." [34:10]

• Jesus’ Triumph:

  "Jesus got up in the darkness and did what he could and declares that destruction and death and darkness do not and cannot have the last word." [29:55]

• Sacraments as Foundations:

  "The moment you were baptized, you were claimed by the one who never dies." [40:25]

• Final Encouragement:

  "In destruction, in death, in darkness, we can get up and do what we can." [49:40]

Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz's homily, "What Never Dies," offers a profound exploration of how faith and divine love persist amidst life's darkest challenges. Through historical examples, scriptural reflections, and personal insights, Fr. Mike provides listeners with both comfort and motivation to uphold their faith, regardless of the circumstances. His emphasis on sacraments as touch points serves as a reminder of the tangible ways believers can stay connected to the eternal truths that outlast all temporal struggles.