Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 34: The Passover Instituted
Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Publisher: Ascension
Introduction and Overview
Fr. Mike Schmitz welcomes listeners to Day 34 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, focusing on Exodus Chapter 12, Leviticus Chapter 9, and Psalm 114. He emphasizes the profound foreshadowing present in Exodus 12, highlighting how God’s actions for the Israelites prefigure His sacrifices for humanity.
Notable Quote:
"Exodus, chapter 12... there is so much foreshadowing of what the Lord God not only did for the people of Israel, but also what the Lord God has done for us and for the entire world." [00:04]
Deep Dive into Exodus Chapter 12
Fr. Mike begins by reading Exodus 12, detailing the institution of the Passover. He underscores the significance of this chapter in both historical and theological contexts.
Key Points:
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The Passover Instructions:
- Sacrifice of the Lamb: Each household is instructed to select an unblemished, one-year-old lamb (Exodus 12:3-5).
- Application of Blood: The blood of the lamb is to be placed on the doorposts and lintels, symbolizing protection from the impending plague (Exodus 12:7, 12:13).
- Feast Details: The Israelites are to eat the lamb roasted with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, consuming it swiftly with loins girded, sandals on feet, and staff in hand, signifying readiness for departure (Exodus 12:11-13).
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The Plague of the Firstborn:
- Divine Judgment: God announces the slaying of all firstborn in Egypt, both human and animal, as a judgment against Pharaoh and Egyptian gods (Exodus 12:12-14).
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Establishment of a Memorial:
- Annual Commemoration: The Passover is established as a lasting ordinance, to be observed forever as a feast of unleavened bread (Exodus 12:17-20).
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Pharaoh’s Response and the Exodus:
- Pharaoh’s Relentlessness: Despite the plague, Pharaoh ultimately consents to let the Israelites go, leading to the mass exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:31-34).
Notable Quotes:
"In order to understand what the scripture foreshadows, we have to actually get into the Scripture itself." [00:04]
"God is never unjust. God is completely, 100% just. God is justice himself." [Timestamp: ~30:00]
Exploration of Leviticus Chapter 9
Moving to Leviticus 9, Fr. Mike discusses the inauguration of the sacrificial system, detailing the offerings made by Aaron and his sons.
Key Points:
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Sacrificial Offerings:
- Sin Offering and Burnt Offering: Aaron sacrifices a bull calf for himself and a ram for the congregation, symbolizing atonement and dedication (Leviticus 9:2-3).
- Peace Offerings: Additional sacrifices highlight communal fellowship and peace with God (Leviticus 9:5).
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Divine Acceptance:
- Manifestation of God’s Glory: Fire consumes the offerings on the altar, signifying God’s acceptance and presence among the people (Leviticus 9:24).
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Blessing of the People:
- Aaron’s Blessing: Aaron blesses the people, and the congregation responds with worship, reinforcing the relationship between God and Israel (Leviticus 9:22-23).
Notable Quote:
"The glory of the Lord appeared to all the people, and fire came forth from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat upon the altar." [Leviticus 9:24] [Timestamp: ~45:00]
Reflection on Psalm 114
Fr. Mike reads Psalm 114, celebrating God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The psalm poetically describes nature's response to God's presence and power.
Key Themes:
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Divine Intervention:
- Nature’s Reaction: The sea flees, mountains skip, and hills tremble at God's presence, illustrating His supreme authority (Psalm 114:3-5).
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God’s Faithfulness:
- Covenant Fulfillment: The psalm praises God for fulfilling His covenant with Israel, ensuring their liberation and sanctuary (Psalm 114:4-6).
Notable Quote:
"At the presence of the Lord, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water." [Psalm 114:7] [Timestamp: ~50:00]
Theological Insights and Connections
Fr. Mike delves into the foreshadowing of the New Covenant and the Eucharist within the Passover narrative.
Key Insights:
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The Passover Lamb as a Type of Christ:
- Symbolism of the Lamb: The sacrificial lamb in Exodus prefigures Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
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Connection to the Eucharist:
- Sacrificial Parallel: Just as the lamb’s blood brought protection and liberation, the Eucharist embodies Christ’s sacrifice, offering spiritual freedom and life (Leviticus 9:24).
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Covenant and Inclusion:
- Circumcision and Baptism: The necessity of circumcision for participation in the Passover foreshadows the necessity of baptism and incorporation into the Church for participation in the Eucharist (Exodus 12:48-51; Justin Martyr, First Apology).
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Marking of Homes and Personal Transformation:
- Blood as Signifier: The blood on doorposts signifies protection and identity, paralleling how participation in the Eucharist marks believers as members of God’s family (Exodus 12:7, 12:13).
Notable Quotes:
"The sacrificial lamb has value on its own, but when it lives with you for a week, then it becomes precious to you." [Timestamp: ~55:00]
"In the Eucharist, we receive the flesh of this Lamb of God, and we drink the blood of the Lamb of God, and it gives us freedom and it gives us life." [Timestamp: ~58:00]
Application to Contemporary Faith
Fr. Mike draws parallels between the ancient practices and modern Catholic faith, particularly focusing on the Mass and the Eucharist.
Key Applications:
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Approaching the Eucharist Worthily:
- Emphasizes the importance of preparing one’s heart to receive the Eucharist, mirroring the Israelites’ preparation for the Passover sacrifice.
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Community and Covenant:
- Highlights the communal aspect of faith, as the Israelites acted together in observance of the Passover, fostering a sense of unity and shared belief.
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Transformation through Sacrifice:
- Encourages believers to view the Eucharist as a transformative encounter with Christ, akin to the Israelites’ liberation through the Passover.
Notable Quotes:
"Unless you're brought into the covenant via baptism, you may not partake of the Eucharist." [Timestamp: ~50:00]
"The Lord, who is leading us on this journey and for each other. Let's keep praying for each other." [Timestamp: ~60:00]
Conclusion and Final Reflections
Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reiterating the profound connections between the Passover, the sacrificial system, and the Eucharist. He expresses excitement for continuing the journey through the Bible with listeners, acknowledging the complexities and challenges ahead.
Notable Quote:
"We receive the Eucharist, we eat the flesh of this Lamb of God, and we drink the blood of the Lamb of God, and it gives us freedom and it gives us life. What a gift." [Timestamp: ~59:00]
"Praise the Lord for the Lord and that he's leading us on this journey and for each other." [Timestamp: ~60:00]
Prayer: Fr. Mike leads a prayer, thanking God for His Word and the covenant fulfilled through the Passover and the Eucharist. He asks for grace to approach the Eucharist with open hearts and renewed spirits.
Closing Thoughts
This episode of "The Bible in a Year" provides a rich exploration of Exodus 12, Leviticus 9, and Psalm 114, intricately linking Old Testament events to New Testament revelations. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively illuminates the continuity of God’s plan for salvation, offering listeners both historical insight and spiritual application.
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This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Day 34’s podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.