Father Mike Schmitz hosts this Bible in a Year podcast episode, day 27, transitioning from the Patriarchs period to Egypt and Exodus using The Great Adventure Bible timeline from Ascension Press.

The episode covers Book of Exodus chapters 1-2, Book of Leviticus chapter 1, and Psalm 44, spanning approximately 300-400 years from the end of Book of Genesis around 1900 BC.

Father Mike explains how the Old Testament sacrificial system described in Book of Leviticus connects to modern Catholic Mass, particularly the burnt offering rituals that prefigure the Eucharistic sacrifice.

Israel's Growth and Oppression in Egypt

Book of Exodus begins 300-400 years after Book of Genesis ended, around 1900 BC, when 'a new king over Egypt arose who did not know Joseph'

Despite slavery, God blessed the Israelites: 'the descendants of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly, they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them'

Pharaoh's oppression escalated from forced labor building store cities Pithom and Ramses to ordering Hebrew midwives to kill male babies

Hebrew midwives Shipra and Pua 'feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live'

Moses' Early Life and Flight to Midian

Moses was hidden in a basket among reeds by his Levite mother and discovered by Pharaoh's daughter, who 'took pity on him and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children'

After killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, Moses fled to Midian where he married Zipporah, daughter of the priest Reuel, and named his son Gershom

The narrative concludes with God hearing Israel's groaning: 'God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob'

Old Testament Sacrifices and Catholic Mass Connections

Book of Leviticus chapter 1 details burnt offerings requiring 'a male without blemish' from herds, flocks, or birds, with specific rituals for blood and altar placement

Father Mike explains the two-part sacrifice: the family father brings the offering, then Levitical priests pour the blood on the altar, since 'the life is in the blood'

The Old Testament altar sacrifice parallels Catholic Mass: blood poured on altar corresponds to the priest's elevation saying 'through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, Almighty Father'

Prayer for Families and God's Faithfulness

Father Mike offers extended prayer for couples longing to conceive and those who have lost children, emphasizing that 'children are a blessing' and 'one of the greatest blessings that God can give'

Book of Psalms 44 reflects the theme of feeling abandoned while maintaining faith: 'Yet you have cast us off and abased us' but 'we will give thanks to your name forever'

The overarching message emphasizes God's hidden but active presence: 'You may be hidden, but you are not absent. Lord God, you may be unseen, but you are not inactive' - Father Mike