04/05/26 Easter Sunday: Everything is Restored

On Easter Sunday, Fr. Mike Schmitz delivers a powerful homily centered on the theme of restoration through the resurrection of Jesus. Drawing from the Gospel of John, he reflects on Mary Magdalene’s discovery of the empty tomb and the apostles’ journey to belief, emphasizing that Jesus didn’t just rise to prove a point—he rose to undo death from within. Fr. Mike shares the transformative stories of Lee Strobel, an atheist journalist who investigated the evidence for the resurrection, and Sir Lionel Lucku, a renowned defense attorney who, after examining the historical claims, came to faith. Both men found that the resurrection isn’t a myth but a historical reality with profound implications. The homily argues that death has touched every aspect of human life—relationships, dreams, joy, sin, and even celebration—and that only a power stronger than death can restore what’s broken. The resurrection, Fr. Mike explains, is not just a past event but a present reality: we are invited to participate in it by surrendering everything to Christ, knowing that what is given and taken will be restored. He concludes with the hope of Divine Mercy Sunday, reminding listeners that Jesus’ wounds remain as proof of His suffering and victory, and that our own wounds no longer define us—because restoration is possible.