The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 27 – The Birth of Moses
Date: January 27, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Readings: Exodus 1-2, Leviticus 1, Psalm 44

Episode Overview

This episode marks the transition from the period of the Patriarchs to the era of Egypt and the Exodus in the biblical narrative. Fr. Mike guides listeners through the beginnings of Moses's life under difficult circumstances in Egypt, the institution of sacrifices in Leviticus, and Psalm 44’s plea for God’s help. Through scripture, reflection, and prayer, Fr. Mike explores God’s abiding presence amid suffering and His detailed instructions for worship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Transition from Genesis to Exodus

• Context: The story picks up several centuries after Joseph, with the Israelites now numerous and enslaved in Egypt (07:10).
• Quote: "The space between the end of the book of Genesis and the beginning of the book of Exodus is hundreds of years. It’s not just turn the page and here we are the next week or the next month." – Fr. Mike (22:16)
• Insight: The narrative doesn’t continue seamlessly—there’s a long silence, emphasizing Israel’s growth and God’s fidelity even when apparently absent.

2. Exodus 1-2: The Birth & Early Life of Moses

• Enslavement & Persecution:

  • A new Pharaoh who "did not know Joseph" enslaves the Israelites, imposing harsh labor and ordering the death of Hebrew boys (05:35).
  • The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, defy Pharaoh out of fear of God, allowing male children to live.
  • Pharaoh commands all Hebrew baby boys to be cast into the Nile.

• Birth and Adoption of Moses:

  • Moses’s mother hides him for three months before placing him in a basket on the Nile (09:40).
  • Pharaoh’s daughter rescues and adopts Moses, with his birth mother caring for him temporarily.
  • After killing an Egyptian, Moses flees to Midian and finds refuge with Reuel, marrying Zipporah and starting a family.
  • God hears Israel’s cries: "God saw the sons of Israel, and God knew their condition." (Exodus 2:25, read at 14:25)

• Reflection on Suffering & God’s Presence:

  • Fr. Mike emphasizes that even amid slavery, God is blessing His people:
    • "Did God abandon the people of Israel in Egypt?... No, God did not abandon them. In fact, he blessed them." – Fr. Mike (23:30)
  • Children as a sign of God’s blessing, even in adversity.
  • Connection to today: Prays for couples longing for children or suffering loss.
    • "You may be hidden, but you are not absent, Lord God. You may be unseen, but you are not inactive." – Fr. Mike (26:03)

3. Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering

• Laws of Worship Given in the Wilderness:

  • Detailed instructions for offering burnt sacrifices (cattle, sheep, birds) as a “pleasing odor to the Lord.”

• Role of Fathers and Priests:

  • Originally, fathers of families act as priests presenting family sacrifices (32:10).
  • This changes after the sin of the golden calf, with the tribe of Levi appointed as Israel’s priests.

• Sacrifice and Worship:

  • Deep parallel between OT sacrifices and the Mass:
    • The offering of blood on the altar in Leviticus mirrors the Eucharistic presentation at Mass.
    • "The life is in the blood... The blood is being poured out onto the altar for the glory of God, for the salvation of the people. And that’s what the heart of the Mass is." – Fr. Mike (36:40)
  • Encouragement to appreciate the rituals of worship and understand the continuity with Christian liturgy.

4. Psalm 44: Lament and Prayer for Deliverance

• Themes:
  • Psalm recounts God’s past faithfulness and present suffering.
  • Honest questioning: “Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?” (20:25)
• Reflection:
  • Fr. Mike relates the psalm’s plea to Israel’s situation in Egypt and the listener’s own times of darkness and doubt.

5. Encouragement and Communal Prayer

• Fr. Mike’s Prayer for Listeners (28:35):

  • Intercedes especially for couples praying for children or grieving loss.
  • Reassures listeners of God’s ongoing activity and faithful companionship in suffering.

• On Journeying Together:

  • Stresses the importance of reading, praying, and growing as a community.
  • "You are not walking alone. We are walking together because we’re praying for each other..." – Fr. Mike (41:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God’s Hiddenness:

  • "You may be hidden, but you are not absent, Lord God. You may be unseen, but you are not inactive." (26:03)

• On Continuity of Worship:

  • "That’s like in some ways, the moment where we’re offering the sacrifice to the Father... That’s what the heart of the Mass is—it’s the point of the Mass: the glory of God, the salvation of the people." (36:40)

• On Living Scripture:

  • "We are walking together because we’re praying for each other as we let God’s Word wash over us and give us a new way of seeing the world." (41:28)

• Encouragement:

  • "Such a gift to be able to walk through scripture with you. You are not walking alone." (41:03)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Exodus Reading Begins: 02:05
• Birth of Moses & Early Life: 09:40
• Leviticus 1 Reading Begins: 15:56
• Psalm 44 Reading: 19:41
• Reflection on Darkness and God’s Presence: 23:30
• Prayer for Families and Those Suffering Loss: 25:46–29:10
• Explanation of Levitical Sacrifices and Priestly Roles: 32:10–37:30
• Connections to Mass and Christian Liturgy: 35:15–37:00
• Encouragement and Closing Reflection: 40:40–41:53

Conclusion

Day 27 marks a momentous shift from the foundational patriarchal narratives to the redemptive events beginning with Moses. Fr. Mike centers the episode on God’s faithfulness in times of darkness, the continuity between old and new covenant worship, and the blessing of life even under hardship. Listeners are encouraged to see their own struggles and hopes wrapped into the story of salvation, assured that—like the Israelites—they are not forgotten, and God is at work, even if hidden.