The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast Don’t Go Into Easter Without Asking Yourself This (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
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Apr 2, 2026 A reflection on why the crucifix remains central and what it means to be identified with a suffering Christ. Stories from a Krakow pilgrimage and an unsettling crucifix prompt a confronting question about choosing to belong to the rejected. A call to recognize Jesus in the poor and distressed during Holy Week and beyond.
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Krakow Visit With John Paul II Cassock
- Fr. Mike Schmitz describes visiting the John Paul II Shrine in Krakow and kneeling before the pope's cassock with visible bullet holes from the assassination attempt.
- He then stayed at a nearby side chapel with a crucifix that had real hair and an unsettling, unattractive corpus that drew prolonged prayer and reflection.
Repulsive Crucifix Reveals Rejected Christ
- The unattractive crucifix challenged Fr. Mike to see Christ as repulsive rather than idealized, making the suffering more immediate and convicting.
- He contrasts common beautiful depictions with this corpus that lacks aesthetic appeal, which forces honest confrontation with rejection and humiliation.
Ask If You Will Be Associated With Jesus
- Do pray in front of a crucifix and ask yourself whether you are willing to be associated with Jesus in his rejection and suffering.
- Fr. Mike suggests using any crucifix you have this weekend—on a rosary, necklace, or in church—to honestly ask that question.