Week 5: Sunday, 26 January – Saturday, 1 February

Daily Readings Overview

• Sunday, 26 January: Exodus 31–33
• Monday, 27 January: Exodus 34–36
• Tuesday, 28 January: Exodus 37–40
• Wednesday, 29 January: Leviticus 1:1–5:13
• Thursday, 30 January: Leviticus 5:14–7:38
• Friday, 31 January: Leviticus 8–10
• Saturday, 1 February: Leviticus 11–13

What to Expect This Week

This week, we conclude the Book of Exodus and embark on Leviticus, a book central to understanding the worship, laws, and rituals of ancient Israel. The final chapters of Exodus bring us to the completion of the Tabernacle, where God’s presence visibly dwells with His people. This sacred dwelling serves as a precursor to Christ’s incarnation, where God takes on human form to live among us, ultimately fulfilling the promise of Emmanuel–God with us. Then, as we begin Leviticus, the focus shifts to holiness in worship and daily living.

You’ll encounter key themes, including the covenant renewal, God’s mercy despite Israel’s sin, and the call to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness. The instructions in Leviticus may feel foreign at first, but they remind us of the importance of reverence in worship and our vocation as a holy people.

Sunday, 26 January: Exodus 31–33

These chapters highlight the sacred duties of craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab, whom God calls to construct the Tabernacle with skill and devotion. This demonstrates the value of using our God-given talents in service to Him, showing that every skill and vocation can be an act of worship. However, this narrative is interrupted by the infamous Golden Calf incident. Despite Israel’s idolatry, Moses intercedes for them, demonstrating the power of intercessory prayer. God agrees to continue journeying with His people, though not without a sobering lesson about their unfaithfulness (Exodus 32:11–14).

Monday, 27 January: Exodus 34–36

God renews the covenant, displaying His mercy and steadfast love in proclaiming His name to Moses (Exodus 34:6–7). The commandments are given again, emphasising God’s expectation of exclusive worship. Chapters 35 and 36 focus on the community’s enthusiastic contributions to building the Tabernacle. Their generosity serves as a model for stewardship and devotion to God. For example, modern Christians might reflect this by offering their time, talents, and financial resources to support their local church or charitable initiatives, embodying the same spirit of self-giving.

Tuesday, 28 January: Exodus 37–40

The Tabernacle is completed, and every element–from the Ark of the Covenant to the priestly garments–is constructed precisely according to God’s instructions. This precise obedience reflects Israel’s renewed commitment to God after the Golden Calf incident, demonstrating their desire to align with His will. Chapter 40 culminates with the glory of the Lord filling the Tabernacle, a visible sign of His presence among His people (Exodus 40:34–38).

Wednesday, 29 January: Leviticus 1:1–5:13

Leviticus begins with instructions for offerings, emphasising their role in atoning for sin and expressing gratitude. The burnt, grain, and peace offerings highlight the covenant relationship between God and His people. Chapters 4 and 5 delve into sin and guilt offerings, reminding us that unintentional sins also require reconciliation (Leviticus 4:27–31).

Thursday, 30 January: Leviticus 5:14–7:38

The regulations for guilt offerings continue, illustrating the need for restitution and holiness. Chapters 6 and 7 offer more detail about priestly duties and the handling of offerings. These chapters underscore that worship requires both internal devotion and external faithfulness.

Friday, 31 January: Leviticus 8–10

The ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests marks a significant moment in Israel’s worship life. God’s glory appears to the people, confirming His acceptance of the Tabernacle and the priesthood. However, tragedy strikes when Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, offer “unauthorised fire” and are struck down by God (Leviticus 10:1–2). This incident highlights the seriousness of worship and reverence for God.

Saturday, 1 February: Leviticus 11–13

The focus shifts to laws concerning clean and unclean animals, purity in daily life, and the diagnosis of skin diseases. These rules reflect the holiness required to approach God and symbolise the separation from sin. This concept is fulfilled through Christ, who not only bridges the gap between humanity and God but also calls us to live in the freedom of His grace. This freedom invites believers to embrace a life transformed by love, forgiveness, and service, moving away from sin and towards deeper communion with God and others. While the specifics may no longer apply, they point to the purity we are called to in Christ (1 Peter 1:15–16).

Reflection and Connection

The readings this week demonstrate God’s desire to dwell among His people and call them to holiness. They encourage personal reflection on how we invite God into our lives and challenge us to take actionable steps towards living in harmony with His will. Whether through prayer, acts of service, or fostering a deeper sense of community, these readings remind us of the practical ways we can respond to God’s call in our daily lives. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes the ultimate High Priest and sacrificial offering, fulfilling the purposes of the Tabernacle and Levitical system (Hebrews 9:11–12). Through Him, we are invited to offer our lives as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).

The Catechism reminds us that Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross is the definitive fulfilment of the Old Covenant offerings (CCC 606). As you read this week, consider how God’s call to holiness resonates in your own life and how the rituals of Leviticus prefigure the sacraments we celebrate today.