Fr. Kris Schmidt Homilies · Fr. Kris Schmidt

Real Life After Death | Easter 2026

April 8, 2026·17 min·1 clip

Fr. Kris argues Jesus's resurrection isn't a magic trick, but the event that made belief in life after death possible for anyone.

The episode is a solo homily by Fr. Kris Schmidt for Easter 2026. He begins by asserting that Christ's resurrection is not merely a story or magic trick, but the event that opened the possibility of belief in life after death for all humanity. He shifts to exploring what heaven means for Christians, suggesting one experience of it on earth is 'real rest.' Fr. Kris defines this rest biblically, referencing God's rest on the seventh day and Jewish Sabbath traditions, including Sabbath years. He distinguishes Christian rest from worldly versions, which he describes as avoidance, distraction, or pampering. He cites the example of the apostles sleeping in Gethsemane as 'wrong rest.' The homily critiques the modern concept of self-care as insufficient because it often involves solitude, whereas true rest involves relationship and identity restoration. Fr. Kris explains that our identity as Christians is primarily as sons and daughters of God, and rest must reset us in that relationship. He addresses the North American mindset that rest must be earned, contrasting it with the Christian view of rest and heaven as gifts. Referencing St. Augustine, he states our hearts are restless until they rest in God. Fr. Kris analyzes why physical, mental, or emotional breaks often fail to provide rest, identifying a deeper need for soul-level rest in God. He describes internal conflict when the soul longs for God but the will chooses otherwise. The homily connects to the liturgical action of renewing baptismal promises at Easter Mass, framing it as an attempt to find rest in God's presence, even if Mass itself isn't always restful. The arc moves from theological foundation to practical application, ending with a call to embrace the gift of eternal rest.

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