This week, we explore the heart of Exodus, encountering some of the most dramatic moments of salvation history–events that reveal God’s sovereignty, His power to deliver His people, and His desire to establish a covenant relationship with them. We will witness the terrifying culmination of the plagues, the institution of the Passover, and the awe-inspiring parting of the Red Sea. The wilderness journey brings new challenges, including Israel’s complaints, God’s provision, and the first battles.
In the latter half of the week, the narrative moves to Mount Sinai, where the Covenant is given alongside detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and priesthood. These readings highlight God’s power to save, His call to covenant faithfulness, and His intention to dwell among His people.
The story of the plagues continues, demonstrating God’s power over Pharaoh and the false gods of Egypt. This section includes the plagues of frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness. Pharaoh’s resistance persists, setting the stage for the final plague. The distinction made between Egypt and Israel shows God’s covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His protective care for His chosen people and His desire to set them apart as a holy nation dedicated to His purposes. Consider how these events foreshadow Christ’s triumph over sin and death.
The institution of the Passover marks a decisive moment in Israel’s history. The blood of the lamb, protecting the Israelites from the angel of death, prefigures the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God (John 1:29). Following this, we read about the Exodus itself and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. This liberation from slavery serves as a powerful image of baptism, where we are freed from sin and given new life (CCC 1221).
After their deliverance, the Israelites celebrate with the Song of the Sea, a hymn of thanksgiving for God’s victory. Yet, the journey through the wilderness quickly reveals their need for God’s continued provision. God provides water, manna, and quail, meeting their physical needs. The victory over Amalek highlights the power of intercessory prayer as Moses raises his arms, supported by Aaron and Hur. Reflect on the parallels between the manna and the Eucharist, our spiritual sustenance. Just as manna sustained the Israelites in the wilderness, the Eucharist nourishes us spiritually, offering the presence of Christ to strengthen and guide us in our journey of faith. (John 6:31–35).
The Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai, where they are invited into a covenant relationship with God. The giving of the Ten Commandments reveals God’s holy nature and establishes moral guidelines for His people. The laws concerning justice and compassion underscore the importance of loving one’s neighbour. The Ten Commandments remain central to Christian life, fulfilled by Christ in the law of love (Matthew 5:17, CCC 2052).
This passage contains additional laws promoting social justice, mercy, and right worship. Chapter 24 recounts the ratification of the Covenant, where Israel agrees to obey the Lord. Moses ascends the mountain to receive further instructions, including those for building the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God’s presence. The Ark of the Covenant is introduced as a sacred sign of God’s promises, prefiguring Christ as Emmanuel–God with us (Matthew 1:23).
The instructions for constructing the Tabernacle continue, detailing its design, furnishings, and the garments for the priests. Each element of the Tabernacle points to God’s holiness and the dignity of worship. For example, the Ark of the Covenant, overlaid with pure gold and housing the tablets of the Law, symbolises God’s throne on earth and His covenant relationship with His people. The high priest’s garments, adorned with precious stones, symbolise his role as a mediator between God and His people. These chapters foreshadow Christ, the eternal high priest, who enters the true sanctuary in heaven on our behalf (Hebrews 8:1–2).
The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests demonstrates the seriousness of approaching God in holiness. The rituals of anointing and sacrifice highlight the sacredness of their ministry. The institution of the daily offering points to Christ, who offers Himself once for all as the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 7:26–27).
This week’s readings vividly portray God as the great Liberator, Lawgiver, and Covenant Keeper. From the deliverance at the Red Sea to the covenant at Mount Sinai and the plans for the Tabernacle, we see God’s desire to save, guide, and dwell with His people.
These events prefigure the ultimate fulfilment in Christ. The Passover foreshadows His sacrifice as the Lamb of God, the crossing of the Red Sea symbolises baptism and liberation from sin, and the Tabernacle points to Christ as Emmanuel, God dwelling among us. As the Lamb of God, He brings about the true Passover, delivering us from sin. As the new Moses, He gives the law of love and establishes the New Covenant. And as the eternal High Priest, He offers Himself for our salvation. May these readings inspire awe at God’s mighty works and deepen our commitment to living as His covenant people (CCC 781).