Episode Overview

Podcast: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension
Episode Title: Don’t Go Into Easter Without Asking Yourself This
Date: April 2, 2026

This episode features Fr. Mike Schmitz reflecting deeply on the imagery of the crucifix during Holy Week and the Triduum. He challenges listeners to contemplate their own willingness to be associated with Christ, particularly as he appears on the cross—sometimes beautiful and sometimes, disconcertingly, unattractive or even repulsive. Fr. Mike uses personal anecdotes, references to saints, and Scripture to lead listeners into a powerful meditation appropriate as Catholics approach Easter.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Meaning Behind the Crucifix ([00:00]–[03:00])

• Why Have a Crucifix?
  • Catholics use crucifixes (not just bare crosses) to remind themselves of Christ’s suffering, love, and identity.
  • "We place in front of ourselves the image of Christ and Him crucified…to remind us of his love for us, to remind us of what he's done for us." (Fr. Mike Schmitz, [00:25])
• Not About Dwelling in Suffering
  • The crucifix is not about denying the resurrection but about entering into the reality of what Christ underwent.

The Impact of Different Depictions of Christ ([03:01]–[07:30])

• Personal Anecdote: Visiting Poland

  • Fr. Mike describes a pilgrimage with students to Poland, including visits to the John Paul II Shrine in Krakow.
  • Recounts praying before John Paul II’s bloodstained cassock, feeling the gravity and sanctity of sacrifice.

• The Disturbing Crucifix

  • In a side chapel, Fr. Mike encounters a crucifix with a corpus (body) featuring real hair and a notably unattractive, even "repulsive" physical appearance.
  • "...nothing attractive about this corpus on this cross. And it's so appealing because of that fact." ([06:10])
  • This encounter prompts a profound spiritual discomfort and self-reflection.

• Contrasting Artistic Depictions

  • Many crucifixes are artistically beautiful, sometimes portraying Jesus as strong, intact, or even “ripped”, or dramatically wounded, both conveying a certain appeal.
  • This Polish crucifix challenges those comforting depictions by being difficult—even off-putting—to look at.

Scriptural Parallels and Deeper Questions ([07:31]–[12:30])

• Scripture Reference (Isaiah)
  • Fr. Mike cites Isaiah: "There was in him no stately bearing nor appearance that make us look at him, but one from whom men would hide their faces." ([09:10])
• The Essential Question
  • The disturbing beauty of the unattractive crucifix leads to the core self-examination:
    • "Do I want to be associated with this? ...with the God who would let himself go through that? Rejected, a failure, betrayed, denied, without a friend in the world?" ([10:45])
• Association with the Rejected
  • Christ associates himself with the rejected, the poor, the alienated, the hated—and with those whom the world finds repulsive.
  • "Jesus associates himself with those whom the world finds repulsive more than he associates with those who the world finds beautiful." ([12:10])

Call to Reflection for Listeners ([12:31]–[15:20])

• Invitation for the Triduum and Easter
  • Fr. Mike challenges listeners to look at any crucifix they see in the coming days and ask, "Jesus, am I willing to be associated with you like that?" ([13:20])
  • This is not a superficial question, but one of deep alignment with Christ, especially in how He suffered and whom He loved.
• Mother Teresa Reference
  • Quotes Mother Teresa: "We find him in the distressing disguise of a crucifix...We also...find him in the distressing disguise of the poor." ([14:50])

Conclusion ([15:21]–End)

• Summary Prayer and Affirmation
  • Ultimately, Fr. Mike’s prayer is for the grace to answer, "Yes, Jesus, I do want to be associated with you...I want people to know that I belong to you." ([15:25])
  • Encourages listeners that they, too, can have this willingness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Do I want to be associated with that? ...with the God who would let himself go through that? Rejected, a failure, betrayed, denied, without a friend in the world?"
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz, [10:45]

• "I have no other word to describe this crucifix other than it's repulsive. Not repulsive in the sense of, like, oh, a lot of wounds. Like, no, it's just ugly..."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz, [06:10]

• "Jesus associates himself with those whom the world finds repulsive more than he associates with those who the world finds beautiful."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz, [12:10]

• "As Mother Teresa said, we find him in the distressing disguise of the poor."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz, [14:50]

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–03:00 – Introduction to the Crucifix and Catholic tradition
• 03:01–07:30 – Pilgrimage to Poland, personal encounters with powerful religious symbols
• 07:31–12:30 – The “repulsive” crucifix, scriptural ties, meditation on Christ’s unattractiveness and rejection
• 12:31–15:20 – Challenge to listeners, personal and communal reflection for Holy Week
• 15:21–End – Concluding prayer and affirmation

Tone & Language

Fr. Mike speaks personally, vulnerably, and with characteristic warmth and clarity. His tone is reflective, at times raw, and always inviting the listener to enter into honest spiritual self-assessment, especially as Holy Week culminates in Easter.

Summary Takeaway

This episode offers a profound invitation: As you enter Easter, dare to look at Christ on the cross—not just in His beauty or triumph, but in His utter rejection and unattractiveness. Ask yourself: “Do I want to be associated with Him, even like that?” For Fr. Mike—and for all Christians—the Easter journey pivots on that transformative, deeply personal answer.