The Book of Exodus

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible. It tells the story of how God helped the Israelites leave Egypt. They had been living there as slaves. God chose Moses to lead them out.

Exodus shows how God cares for His people. He heard their cries and acted to save them. He showed His power through signs and wonders. The most well-known is the parting of the Red Sea.

This book also gives us the Ten Commandments. God gave these laws to Moses on Mount Sinai. They teach us how to live and how to love God and others.

Exodus is about trust and obedience. The Israelites had to learn to follow God. Sometimes they failed, but God stayed with them. Their journey shows us that God is patient and faithful.

The Book of Exodus was written a long time ago, likely over 3,000 years ago. It tells the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt. At that time, Egypt was a strong and rich land. The Israelites were living there as slaves. Life was very hard for them.

Catholic tradition says that Moses wrote Exodus. He was the leader God chose to guide the people out of Egypt. Moses knew the story well. He was part of it. He also spoke with God and received His laws.

The book shows how God worked in history. It is not just a story. It tells about real people, places, and events. It also teaches lessons about faith, freedom, and trust.

Knowing the time and place helps us understand the story better. It shows us how God was helping His people, even in hard times.

The Book of Exodus has many important people. Each one plays a part in God’s plan. Here are the main ones:

Moses
Moses is the main leader in the book. God chooses him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. At first, Moses is unsure, but he learns to trust God. He speaks with God and brings His laws to the people. Read more about Moses here.

Aaron
Aaron is Moses’ brother. He helps Moses speak to Pharaoh. Later, he becomes the first high priest. He leads worship for the people. Read more about Aaron here.

Pharaoh
Pharaoh is the king of Egypt. He refuses to let the Israelites go. Because of this, Egypt suffers from the ten plagues. In the end, he lets them leave but then changes his mind and chases them.

The Israelites
They are God’s chosen people. They struggle with fear and doubt, but God stays with them. They learn to follow Him one step at a time.

The Book of Exodus is written like a story. It has people, places, and action. There are heroes and problems. There is danger and rescue. It reads like a journey, because it is one.

Some parts are like a story you would tell around a fire. Other parts give rules and laws. There are also songs and prayers. All of it helps the reader understand what happened and why it matters.

The writing is clear and direct. It shows what God did and how the people reacted. Sometimes they listened. Sometimes they did not. The book tells the truth, even when the truth is hard.

Catholics see Exodus as more than just history. It shows how God works with people. The way the story is told helps us learn, pray, and live in faith.

The Book of Exodus teaches many lessons. These lessons are still important in the Catholic faith today. Here are some of the main themes:

• God saves His people
  God hears the cries of the Israelites. He leads them out of Egypt. Catholics see this as a picture of how God saves us from sin.
• God gives us the law
  God gives the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. These are rules for how to live. Catholics still follow these today. Read more about the Ten Commandments here.
• God wants a relationship with us
  God stays close to His people. He travels with them in the desert. He gives them food and water. Catholics believe God is still with us, especially in the sacraments.
• God is faithful, even when we are not
  The people often complain. Sometimes they turn away from God. But God does not leave them. He stays with them and keeps His promises.
• Worship is important
  Exodus talks about the tabernacle and how to worship. Catholics see this as a sign of how worship should be holy and respectful.

These themes help us trust God, obey Him, and stay close to Him. They also help us understand Jesus, who brings these things to their full meaning.

The Book of Exodus has 40 chapters. It can be broken into a few main parts. Each part tells a different part of the story.

• Israel in Egypt (Chapters 1–12)
  The Israelites are slaves. God calls Moses. God sends ten plagues to Egypt. Pharaoh finally lets the people go.
• The Journey Out (Chapters 13–18)
  The Israelites leave Egypt. God parts the Red Sea. They cross safely. God gives them food and water in the desert.
• God Gives the Law (Chapters 19–24)
  The people arrive at Mount Sinai. God gives the Ten Commandments. Moses speaks with God on the mountain.
• The Tabernacle and Worship (Chapters 25–31)
  God gives plans for the tabernacle. This is the place where God will stay with His people.
• The Golden Calf and God’s Mercy (Chapters 32–34)
  The people make a golden calf. They sin against God. Moses prays for them. God forgives them.
• Building the Tabernacle (Chapters 35–40)
  The people follow God’s plan. They build the tabernacle. God’s presence fills it.

Each part shows how God leads, teaches, and stays with His people. It is a full story from slavery to worship.

The Book of Exodus is an old book, but it still speaks to us now. It helps us know who God is and how we should live.

We all face hard times. Like the Israelites, we may feel trapped or lost. Exodus shows that God hears us. He stays with us and helps us.

The Ten Commandments are still part of the Catholic Church. They teach us right from wrong. They help us love God and love others.

Exodus also points us to Jesus. Just like Moses led the people out of slavery, Jesus leads us out of sin. The Passover in Exodus also helps us understand the Mass.

This book reminds us that God is close. He leads, teaches, and forgives. That is still true today.

The Book of Exodus is often read in the Catholic Church. It is part of the lectionary. The lectionary is a list of Bible readings used at Mass.

Exodus is read during Lent and especially during the Easter Vigil. At the Easter Vigil, we hear the story of the Red Sea. This shows how God saved His people. It reminds us of Baptism.

The Ten Commandments from Exodus 20 are also read during Lent. They help us prepare our hearts for Easter. They remind us how to live as God’s people.

Click on the links below for more information about a specific reading:

3rd Sunday of Lent Year C

God Sends Moses to Help His People

In Exodus 3:1-8A, 13-15, Moses sees a bush on fire but not burning up. He goes closer, and God speaks to him from the bush. God tells Moses that He has seen how the Israelites are suffering in Egypt. God plans to rescue them and bring them to a better land.

Moses is unsure and asks what to say if the people ask who sent him. God tells him to say, “I Am” has sent him. This shows that God is always with His people. Catholics read this during Lent to remember that God sees our struggles and sends help when we need it.

Holy Thursday

A Night of Freedom and Faith

In Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14, God gives Moses special instructions for the first Passover. Each family must prepare a lamb, mark their door with its blood, and eat the meal in a hurry. This meal will protect them when the last plague comes. God is about to free them from slavery in Egypt.

This night becomes a holy day for all time. God tells the people to remember it every year. Catholics see this event as pointing to Jesus, the Lamb of God. Just like the Passover saved the Israelites, Jesus saves us from sin. This reading is used during Holy Week to show the link between the Old and New Covenant.

Easter Sunday – The Resurrection of the Lord

God Makes a Way Through the Sea

In Exodus 14:15-15:1, God tells Moses to lead the Israelites forward, even though the Red Sea is in front of them. God moves the water and makes a dry path. The Israelites walk through safely. The Egyptian army follows, but the sea closes and they are swept away.

After they cross, the people see that God has saved them. They are free at last. Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise. This moment is remembered as a great act of God’s power and care. Catholics see this as a sign of Baptism, where we pass from death to new life. This reading is used at the Easter Vigil to show how God saves.

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Bread from Heaven

In Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15, the Israelites complain because they are hungry in the desert. They wish they were back in Egypt, where they had more food. God hears them and promises to give them what they need.

That evening, quail come to feed them. In the morning, thin flakes appear on the ground. This is manna, the bread from heaven. The people are surprised, but Moses tells them it is the food God has given. Catholics see this as a sign that points to the Eucharist, where Jesus gives Himself as the Bread of Life.

3rd Sunday of Lent Year A

Water in the Desert

In Exodus 17:3-7, the Israelites are in the desert and have no water. They complain to Moses and ask why he brought them out of Egypt. They are afraid they will die of thirst. Moses prays to God for help.

God tells Moses to strike a rock with his staff. Moses obeys, and water flows from the rock for the people to drink. This place is called Massah and Meribah, because the people tested God and doubted His care. Catholics see this as a sign that God provides for His people, even when they lose trust.

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Holding Up Hands, Holding Up Hope

In Exodus 17:8-13, the Israelites are attacked by Amalek’s army. Moses tells Joshua to lead the fight while he stands on a hill with God’s staff in his hand. As long as Moses keeps his hands raised, the Israelites win. When he lowers them, they begin to lose.

Moses grows tired, so Aaron and Hur help him. They give him a stone to sit on and hold up his hands until sunset. Because of this, Joshua and the Israelites win the battle. Catholics hear this reading as a reminder to support one another, especially in prayer and in hard times.

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

God Chooses His People

In Exodus 19:2-6a, the Israelites set up camp near Mount Sinai. God calls Moses to the mountain and gives him a message for the people. He reminds them how He brought them out of Egypt and cared for them.

God tells them that if they listen to Him and follow His ways, they will be His special people. They will be a holy nation. This shows that God wants a close bond with His people. Catholics hear this reading to remember that God still calls us to live for Him and be a light to others.

Pentecost

God Comes Down to the Mountain

In Exodus 19:3-8a, 16-20b, God calls Moses up the mountain and tells him to speak to the people. God says they will be His special people if they listen and follow His commands. The people agree to do everything God says.

Three days later, there is thunder, lightning, and smoke on Mount Sinai. The mountain shakes, and the people are afraid. God comes down in fire, and Moses goes up to meet Him. This reading is sometimes used at Pentecost because it shows God coming with power, just like He did with the Holy Spirit in the upper room.

3rd Sunday of Lent Year B

God’s Ten Simple Rules

In Exodus 20:1-17, God gives the Ten Commandments to the Israelites. These are rules for living the right way. They teach people to love God and respect others. The first part focuses on God—worship only Him, keep His name holy, and rest on the Sabbath.

The second part is about how to treat others. The people must honor their parents, not kill, steal, lie, or be jealous of what others have. These rules help build a fair and peaceful life. Catholics still follow these commandments today. They guide us during Lent as we turn back to God.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Care for the Weak

In Exodus 22:20-26, God gives clear rules to protect people who are weak or in need. He tells the Israelites not to hurt strangers, widows, or orphans. If they do, He will listen to the cries of the victims.

God also says to be fair when lending money. If someone gives their coat as a promise, it must be returned by sunset so they can sleep. These rules show that God cares about justice and kindness. Catholics hear this reading as a reminder to treat others with care, especially those who are poor or alone.

Corpus Christi Year B

A Promise Sealed with Blood

In Exodus 24:3-8, Moses tells the people all the laws and commands from God. They agree to follow everything God has said. Moses then writes it all down and builds an altar to make an offering to God.

He takes the blood from the sacrifice and sprinkles it on the altar and on the people. This shows the covenant, or promise, between God and His people. Catholics hear this reading on Corpus Christi because it connects to the New Covenant made through the blood of Jesus in the Eucharist.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Moses Prays for Mercy

In Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14, God tells Moses that the people have turned away from Him. While Moses was on the mountain, the people made a golden calf and started to worship it. God is angry and plans to punish them.

But Moses speaks to God and asks Him to forgive the people. He reminds God of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God listens to Moses and decides not to bring the punishment. Catholics hear this reading as a reminder that God is merciful and hears our prayers, even when we fall.

Trinity Sunday Year A

God Shows His Mercy

In Exodus 34:4B-6, 8-9, Moses goes up Mount Sinai with two stone tablets. God comes down in a cloud and stands with him. God speaks His name and shows who He is—kind, patient, and full of mercy.

Moses bows down and prays. He asks God to stay with the people, even though they have sinned. He asks for forgiveness and for God to make them His own. This reading is used on Trinity Sunday because it shows God’s closeness, mercy, and desire to be with His people.

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Other parts of Exodus are read at daily Mass throughout the year. These readings help us see God’s care and power. They remind us that God still leads His people today.

• Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 1:8-14, 22: Oppression of the Israelites
• Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 2:1-15a: The Birth and Early Life of Moses
• Wednesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12: Moses and the Burning Bush
• Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 3:13-20: God’s Name and a Mission
• Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 11:10-12:14: The First Passover
• Saturday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 12:37-42: Israel’s Exodus from Egypt
• Monday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 14:5-18: The Pursuit and the Promise of Deliverance
• Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 14:21-15:1: The Parting of the Sea
• Wednesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15: Bread from Heaven
• Thursday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b: God Meets Israel at Mount Sinai
• Friday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 20:1-17: God’s Commandments
• Saturday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 24:3-8: The Covenant at Mount Sinai
• Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent – Exodus 32:7-14: Moses Intercedes for Israel
• Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34: Moses and the Golden Calf
• Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28: Moses and the Meeting Tent
• Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 34:29-35: Moses’ Radiant Face
• Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time I – Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38: The Dwelling and God’s Presence

Exodus Begins: God’s People Are Not Forgotten

In the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about the start of Exodus in chapters 1 and 2. He says this is a new chapter in the story. The time between Genesis and Exodus is hundreds of years. A new Pharaoh is in charge now. He doesn’t know Joseph. He is afraid of the people of Israel because there are so many of them.

Fr. Mike says Pharaoh makes the people into slaves. Life becomes very hard. But even in the middle of their pain, God is still with them. The people grow strong. Their families grow. God blesses them, even in slavery. Fr. Mike reminds us that, like with Joseph, God does not leave His people when things are tough.

This is the beginning of the story of Moses. Fr. Mike says God sees the pain of His people and hears their cries. The book of Exodus shows that even when it seems dark, God is still working. He will not forget His people.

God Calls Moses: A Burning Bush and a Big Mission

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus chapter 3. He shares how God speaks to Moses from a burning bush. The bush is on fire, but it doesn’t burn up. This catches Moses’ attention. Then God calls his name. Moses listens. God tells Moses to take off his shoes. He is standing on holy ground.

Fr. Mike says this moment is big. God tells Moses that He has seen the pain of His people. He has heard their cries. He knows their suffering. And now, He is sending Moses to lead them out of Egypt.

Fr. Mike reminds us that God did not forget His people. Even after many years, God was still with them. Fr. Mike says God sets people free not just to escape slavery, but so they can worship Him. That’s a key part of Exodus. God saves His people so they can belong to Him.

Let My People Go: Moses Steps Up

Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus chapters 4 and 5. Moses is nervous about speaking to Pharaoh. He tells God he’s not a good speaker. God shows him miracles to help him believe. Still, Moses asks for help. So God sends Aaron to speak for him.

Fr. Mike explains how God wants Moses to free the people, not just from slavery, but for worship. God says, “Let my people go, that they may serve me.” Fr. Mike says that word serve also means worship. The people are not just being saved from something. They are being saved for something.

When Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to let the people go, Pharaoh says no. He makes their work even harder. The people get upset. They blame Moses. Moses then cries out to God, asking why this is happening.

Fr. Mike reminds us that sometimes, when we try to do the right thing, life gets harder first. But God is still with us. Exodus shows us that real freedom is not about doing whatever we want. It’s about belonging to God and having time to worship Him.

God Reminds Moses Who He Is

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus chapters 6 and 7. God reminds Moses of His name and His promise. He tells Moses, “I am the Lord,” and repeats that He is the same God who spoke to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But now, God is doing something new. He is showing Himself in a deeper way.

Moses still feels unsure. He says he’s not a good speaker. But God tells him to go anyway. Aaron will help him. God also tells Moses that Pharaoh’s heart will be hard. But He promises to show signs and wonders so that all of Egypt will know who He is.

Fr. Mike points out how the people are too broken to listen to Moses at first. Their suffering makes it hard to hope. But God still sends Moses and Aaron to lead them out.

In Exodus 7, God begins His signs. Aaron’s rod becomes a serpent and swallows the others. Then the Nile turns to blood. Still, Pharaoh will not listen. Fr. Mike says this shows how God is patient but powerful. He keeps His promises and will not stop working for His people.

Why Wait Until Tomorrow?

Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about the plagues in Exodus chapter 8. God sends frogs, gnats, and flies to Egypt. Moses tells Pharaoh that God wants His people to go worship. Pharaoh says no. So the plagues begin. Frogs fill the land—even Pharaoh’s bed.

Then something strange happens. Moses asks Pharaoh when he wants the frogs to go away. Pharaoh says, “Tomorrow.” Fr. Mike says this is like us. We hold onto things that hurt us. We know we should let go, but we say, “Maybe later.”

Fr. Mike says this is a mirror for our lives. We sometimes wait to start the good or stop the bad. But God is ready now. He wants to help now.

Exodus reminds us that Pharaoh kept hardening his heart. Fr. Mike encourages us not to do the same. If God offers help today, don’t wait for tomorrow. Trust Him now.

A Soft or Hard Heart?

Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus chapter 9. More plagues hit Egypt—boils, hail, and disease on animals. But God protects the Israelites. Their animals are safe. No hail falls where they live.

Pharaoh seems to give in. He says, “I have sinned.” He asks Moses to pray. But once the trouble stops, Pharaoh changes his mind. His heart becomes hard again. He will not let the people go.

Fr. Mike explains what it means when Exodus says God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. He says God didn’t take away Pharaoh’s choice. It’s like how the sun melts wax but hardens clay. The same light affects them differently.

Fr. Mike says God shows His power, but Pharaoh refuses to change. He warns us to watch our own hearts. When God is close, do we soften or harden? Exodus teaches us to stay open to God, even when life is hard. We should not be like Pharaoh.

God vs. the False Gods

In this episode of The Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus chapters 10 and 11. He explains that the plagues are not just random. Each one shows that God is more powerful than the false gods of Egypt.

Fr. Mike says the Egyptians worshiped many things—like the Nile, frogs, and the sun. But the plagues show that God is in charge of all of it. When the sun goes dark, it shows that God is stronger than Ra, the Egyptian sun god.

He also says that God is not only trying to free the people. He is teaching them how to worship. Moses tells Pharaoh that they need everything, even their animals, because they don’t know yet what God will ask for. Fr. Mike says true worship means giving God what He wants—not just what we want to give.

Exodus shows us that God wants to free His people so they can worship Him the right way.

Covered by the Lamb

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 12. He explains the first Passover. God tells the Israelites to take a lamb without blemish, keep it for a few days, then sacrifice it. They are to eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. They must put its blood on their doorposts.

Fr. Mike says this lamb points to Jesus. Just like the lamb saved the people from death, Jesus saves us. He is the true Lamb of God. He even died at the same time as the Passover lambs were being killed.

Fr. Mike says the blood on the doorposts may have covered the names of the people. In Egypt, names were written in stone above the doors. The blood would have covered those names—just like Jesus’ blood covers us.

He reminds us that, in the Eucharist, we eat the flesh of the Lamb and are saved. Exodus shows how God gives life through the blood of the lamb.

God Fights for You

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 13 and 14. He explains how God led His people out of Egypt. God used a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The people followed Him into the desert.

Fr. Mike shares how Pharaoh changed his mind and chased after them. The Israelites were afraid. They thought they would die. But Moses told them to stand firm and trust God. Fr. Mike points to the key line: “The Lord will fight for you. You have only to be still.”

God split the Red Sea so the people could walk through safely. Then He brought the waters back down on the Egyptians. God saved His people with great power.

Fr. Mike says this is a reminder for us. Sometimes, we don’t need to fight. We just need to trust. God is still the one who fights for us. That’s what Exodus teaches us today.

Trusting God in the Wilderness

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 15 and 16. He shares how the people sang to the Lord after crossing the Red Sea. They praised God for saving them and defeating Pharaoh’s army.

Soon after, the people began to complain. They were hungry and thirsty. Even though God had just saved them, they started saying it would have been better to die in Egypt. But God stayed with them.

Fr. Mike explains how God gave them manna and quail. He fed them every day. He told them to gather just enough for each day. On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much so they could rest on the Sabbath.

Fr. Mike says God wasn’t just feeding His people. He was teaching them. God wanted them to trust Him. He was showing them how to live by faith. Exodus reminds us that God cares for us and also trains us to follow Him.

When God Fights for His People

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 17 and 18. He shares how the Israelites complain again because they have no water. God tells Moses to strike a rock, and water flows out. Fr. Mike reminds us that God is still taking care of His people, even when they complain.

Then the Amalekites attack. Moses stands on a hill with the staff of God. As long as his hands are raised, Israel wins. When his hands drop, they start losing. So Aaron and Hur hold up his arms. Fr. Mike says this shows that prayer matters. God works through prayer and support.

In Exodus 18, Moses gets advice from his father-in-law, Jethro. Jethro sees that Moses is doing too much on his own. He tells Moses to share the work with good men. Fr. Mike says this helps the people and helps Moses. It’s a lesson in teamwork and trust.

Rules with a Relationship: God’s Covenant at Sinai

In this episode of The Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 19 and 20. He explains that God brings the people of Israel to Mount Sinai. There, God tells them He wants a special relationship with them. He says, “I will be your God, and you will be my people.”

Fr. Mike says this is not just a set of rules. God gives them a covenant first, then the commandments. That means there is a relationship first, then the rules. God is not just handing out laws. He is inviting His people into something personal.

Fr. Mike shares that a covenant is about giving yourself to another. It’s not like a contract. It’s a lasting promise. God wants His people to belong to Him. The Ten Commandments are meant to protect and grow that bond.

In Exodus, God shows His love by giving both covenant and commandments.

Lesson One: Justice Starts Small

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 21. He explains that this chapter is full of laws. Some of them seem strange or even harsh to us today. But Fr. Mike says God is starting with a people who are learning how to live in a new way.

The Israelites came from Egypt, where power ruled and people were used. They did not know God’s ways yet. So God begins to teach them slowly. He gives them basic laws to help them understand justice. These laws set limits and protect people. They are not the final goal. They are just the first step.

Fr. Mike says this is like teaching little kids math. You start with simple numbers before you move on to harder things. In Exodus, God is doing the same with justice. He starts at level one so His people can grow.

God is patient. He teaches step by step. And He always wants to lead His people higher.

Justice Over Revenge: Learning God’s Way

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 22. He explains that this chapter gives rules about justice and fairness. These laws help the people of Israel learn how to live together in peace.

Fr. Mike says these are not rules for revenge. They are about making things right. If someone steals or causes damage, they must pay back what they took or broke. But the payback must be fair, not too much. This shows that God wants justice, not payback fueled by anger.

Fr. Mike reminds us that these rules are part of God teaching His people. They are learning how to live in a fair way. They are learning to care for each other. God is showing them how to be just people.

These laws may sound old to us now, but they help reveal God’s care for how we treat one another. Justice begins with simple steps, and Exodus 22 shows the way.

Justice, Festivals, and God’s Plan

Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 23 in this episode. He explains that God gives more laws to help the people live together in peace. These laws focus on justice and fairness. God wants His people to be fair to everyone, rich or poor. Fr. Mike says we should not treat the poor unfairly. But we also should not ignore justice just to help the poor. Both mistakes are wrong.

Fr. Mike also talks about the three major feasts in Exodus. These are Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These special days help the people remember what God has done. They are part of how the people worship God.

Fr. Mike reminds us that these laws are not random. God is teaching His people how to live well. He is helping them prepare for something greater. Fr. Mike says we can see how all of this points to our life as Catholic Christians today.

Sealed with Blood: A Promise on the Mountain

In this episode of The Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 24. He says this chapter shows a big moment for God’s people. Moses tells the people everything the Lord has said. They respond by saying, “We will do all that the Lord has spoken.”

Fr. Mike explains that Moses makes a sacrifice. He puts some of the blood on the altar and some on the people. This blood seals the covenant between God and His people. Fr. Mike says this is like a promise. It’s serious. It’s about trust and belonging.

Then Moses goes up the mountain. He stays there with God for forty days and nights. Fr. Mike says this shows how close God wants to be with His people.

He also connects this to the Mass. Just like in Exodus, we are part of a covenant. The blood of Jesus in the Eucharist is how we stay in that promise today.

A Home for God: Worship in the Wilderness

In this episode of The Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 25 and 26. He explains how God gives Moses a plan for worship. God tells Moses how to build the tabernacle. This will be God’s dwelling place with His people.

Fr. Mike says the people are asked to bring gifts like gold, silver, cloth, and wood. These will be used to make holy items. God gives detailed steps for the Ark of the Covenant, the table for the bread, and the lampstand. These are not just decorations. They are made for prayer and worship.

Fr. Mike points out that the layout of the tabernacle is important. There is a holy place, and a most holy place. A veil separates them. He connects this to the veil in the temple that tore when Jesus died. That shows we are no longer kept out. God is now close to us.

He also talks about the bread of the presence. He says this reminds us of the Eucharist. Just like God was present with His people in the tabernacle, Jesus is with us today in the Eucharist. Fr. Mike reminds us that worship has always mattered to God. And it still does.

Clothes That Point to God

In this episode of The Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 27 and 28. He explains how God gives Moses exact instructions for the altar and the priestly clothes. These aren’t just details. They have a purpose.

Fr. Mike says the altar and the tabernacle are made with care because they are for worship. The priest’s clothes are made for “glory and beauty.” They are not about making the priest look important. They are meant to show how great God is.

Fr. Mike shares how priestly clothes today still follow this idea. They are meant to point to Jesus, not to the priest. He says the priest “gets out of the way” so people can focus on Jesus. Even the bishop’s hat has meaning. It’s not about fashion. It’s a sign that the bishop belongs to something bigger—God’s plan.

He also talks about the twelve stones on the priest’s chest. Each one stands for a tribe of Israel. The priest wears them over his heart. Fr. Mike says this is what priests still do today. When a priest prays, he brings the people with him. Their names are on his heart. That’s part of what it means to be a spiritual father.

This part of Exodus shows that worship matters. Details matter. And God wants to be close to His people.

Set Apart for God: Priests in Exodus

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 29. He explains how God gives Moses instructions for the ordination of priests. This is about setting Aaron and his sons apart for a special role.

Fr. Mike says the ceremony includes washing, special clothes, anointing oil, and offerings. Each part has meaning. The priests are not just leaders. They are meant to serve God and lead the people in worship.

Fr. Mike points out that this chapter shows how important the priesthood is. It is not just a job. It is a calling. Priests must be holy because they stand between the people and God.

He reminds us that priests today are also called to be holy. They need prayer and support. Just like in Exodus, they are chosen to help others come close to God. Fr. Mike asks us to pray for all priests, including him.

Set Apart for Something Greater: God’s Purpose in Exodus

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how Exodus 30 and 31 show that God sets things apart for a holy purpose. He talks about the incense, the anointing oil, and even the workers who build the tabernacle.

God gives clear rules for the incense and oil. They are not for everyday use. They are only for worship. This reminds us that some things belong only to God. When something is blessed, it is no longer ordinary.

Fr. Mike points out that God also chooses certain people for special work. In Exodus 31, Bezalel and Aholiab are craftsmen. God fills them with His Spirit. Their work becomes holy, even though it looks like regular labor.

Fr. Mike reminds us that we, too, are set apart. Our daily work can be holy when we do it for God. Even simple tasks matter when they come from a heart that belongs to Him.

Losing Trust: The Golden Calf in Exodus

Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about the golden calf story in Exodus 32. Moses is on the mountain with God, but the people grow tired of waiting. They get scared and want control. So they ask Aaron to make a god for them. Aaron melts their gold and makes a calf.

Fr. Mike says the people don’t think they are turning away from God. They still say this is the god who saved them. But they make a god they can see and touch. Fr. Mike explains this is what idolatry looks like. It’s not always rejecting God. Sometimes it’s trying to remake Him into something we can control.

Fr. Mike warns that we do the same thing. We treat God like a toy we can use when we want and put away when we don’t. We want control, especially when life feels uncertain. But God calls us to trust, even when it’s hard.

He also points out that this is where the Levitical priesthood begins. Before this, each father acted as the priest of his home. But now the tribe of Levi becomes the priests for all of Israel. This moment changes how the people will worship moving forward.

Don’t Leave Without God: Exodus and the Power of His Presence

Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 33 and 34 in this episode. God tells Moses to lead the people to the Promised Land. But God also says He won’t go with them because they are stubborn. Fr. Mike explains that Moses begs God not to leave them. Moses says if God isn’t with them, they will lose the one thing that makes them different.

Fr. Mike says this shows what makes Israel special. It’s not their strength or goodness. It’s God’s presence. If He leaves, they are just like everyone else. Fr. Mike reminds us that the same is true for us. God’s presence is what makes us different.

Then, in Exodus 34, God gives Moses new stone tablets. The people had broken the first ones after the golden calf. Fr. Mike points out that God renews His covenant. He gives the people new commands to help them live in a new way. They must live differently to show that God is really with them.

Fr. Mike ends by asking: Are we living in a way that shows God is truly with us?

Worship That Touches All of Life

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus 35 and 36. He explains that the focus is on worship and how the people of Israel respond to God’s instructions.

Fr. Mike points out that God repeats some things in Exodus. This shows they are important. He reminds us that God doesn’t ask for worship because He needs it. God asks because it shapes us. Worship is not just about one day. It should touch the whole week and the way we live.

Fr. Mike talks about how the people gave what they had to build the tabernacle. They brought gifts freely. They gave gold, silver, cloth, wood, and more. Some gave their time and skills. Bezalel and Aholiab were filled with God’s Spirit to lead the work. Fr. Mike says this shows that work can be holy when it’s done for God.

In Exodus, God teaches His people how to worship and how to live. Fr. Mike says worship is not just songs or prayers. It’s also what we give, how we work, and how we follow God each day.

Built by Love: The Gifts That Made the Tabernacle

In this Bible in a Year Podcast episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Exodus chapters 37 and 38. He shares how the people of Israel helped build the tabernacle. They used their hands, skills, and hearts. The workers, like Bezalel and Aholiab, made the Ark of the Covenant, the lampstand, the altar, and many other parts.

Fr. Mike explains how every item had meaning. The Ark, the menorah, the altar of incense—all were made with care. He invites listeners to picture it all in their minds. The people gave what they had. They gave gold, silver, cloth, and more. They gave so much that Moses had to tell them to stop. There was more than enough.

Fr. Mike reminds us that God asks for real worship. Sometimes that means sacrifice. But other times, it means offering freely from the heart. He says this kind of giving shows love. Exodus tells us not just what was built—but how it was built. With joy, with generosity, and with trust.

God Moves In: The End of Exodus

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that Exodus ends with something very special. The people finish building the tabernacle, just as God told them. They make everything—the Ark, the altar, the lampstand, the priest’s clothes—with care and skill.

At the end, Moses sets everything in place. He anoints it all with oil. That makes it holy. It’s no longer just furniture. Now it belongs to God.

Then something amazing happens. A cloud covers the tent. God’s glory fills the tabernacle. Fr. Mike says this shows that God is truly with His people.

Fr. Mike also talks about how worship is more than rules or words. God wants worship to shape us. Exodus shows that when we give God our best, He comes close. When God’s people follow His plan, He moves in.

Fr. Mike reminds us that we, too, are ordinary. But when we belong to God, we are made holy.

The Bible

The Bible is full of stories that help us know God better. It teaches us how to live, how to pray, and how to love others. The Book of Exodus is just one part of a much bigger story. If you want to understand more about the Bible as a whole, there are easy ways to start.

You can visit this page to learn more: What is the Bible?. It explains what the Bible is and how to begin reading it. This can help you grow in faith and understand how God has worked in the lives of His people.

What is the Book of Exodus about?

It tells how God saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It also shows how He gave them the Ten Commandments and stayed with them on their journey.

Who wrote the Book of Exodus?

Catholic tradition says Moses wrote it. He was the leader of the Israelites and spoke with God.

Why is the Book of Exodus important for Catholics?

It shows how God saves His people and teaches them. It helps us understand Jesus, the Mass, and the meaning of freedom and faith.

What are the Ten Commandments?

They are ten laws God gave to Moses. They teach us how to love God and others.

Where can I find the story of the Red Sea?

That story is in Exodus 14. It shows how God made a path through the sea for the Israelites to escape Egypt.

How does Exodus connect to Jesus?

Jesus is like a new Moses. He leads us from sin like Moses led the people from Egypt. The Passover in Exodus also helps us understand the Eucharist.

The Book of Exodus is about how God rescued His people, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt. It begins with their suffering and ends with them learning to live as a free people. God calls Moses to lead them and shows His power through signs and miracles, like the parting of the Red Sea.

After they escape, the people begin a long journey through the desert. Along the way, they face struggles, but God stays with them. He gives them food, water, and guidance. At Mount Sinai, He gives them the Ten Commandments, which teach them how to live.

God also gives them plans for the tabernacle, a special place to worship Him. Even when the people sin, like with the golden calf, God forgives them and helps them keep going. Exodus shows us that God is close, and He wants us to follow Him in trust and love.

Take some time to read the Book of Exodus. It’s a story full of action, lessons, and hope. You’ll learn about freedom, faith, and how God stays with His people even in hard times.

After you read it, come back and share your thoughts. What part stood out to you? What did you learn? Leave a comment and let’s talk about it together.