Father Mike Schmitz hosts day 35 of the Bible in a Year podcast, reading from Exodus chapters 13-14 and Leviticus chapter 10, plus Psalm 53. He uses the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition and recommends The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension for its timeline, notes, and maps that help readers understand salvation history.

The episode covers three major themes: God's establishment of the Passover memorial and consecration of the firstborn, the dramatic parting of the Red Sea and Israel's escape from Egypt, and the sobering account of Aaron's sons who died for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord. Father Mike emphasizes how these passages reveal both God's power to fight for His people and His absolute holiness that demands proper reverence.

Consecration of the Firstborn and Passover Memorial

God commands Moses to "Consecrate to me all the firstborn, whatever is the first to open the womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine."

The Israelites must observe seven days of unleavened bread annually and explain to their children: "It is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt."

Every firstborn male animal belongs to the Lord, while human firstborn sons must be redeemed, creating a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance.

The Parting of the Red Sea and Divine Strategy

God deliberately avoided the direct route through Philistine territory, saying "Lest the people repent when they see war and return to Egypt."

Moses faithfully carried Joseph's bones, fulfilling the ancient oath: "God will visit you, then you must carry my bones with you from here."

The Lord led with "a pillar of cloud by day" and "a pillar of fire by night" that "did not depart from before the people."

When the Israelites panicked at Pharaoh's approach, Moses declared: "Fear not. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still."

"The waters were divided" and "the sons of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left."

Pharaoh's entire army perished: "Not so much as one of them remained" while "Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the seashore."

The Deadly Consequences of Unholy Fire

Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu "offered unholy fire before the Lord, such as he had not commanded them" and "fire came forth from the presence of the Lord and devoured them."

Moses explained to Aaron: "This is what the Lord has said: I will show myself holy among those people who are near me, and before all the people I will be glorified."

Father Mike emphasizes that God's holiness means being "set apart" and demands proper approach: "Approach me how I'm telling you to, because I am holy." - Father Mike

"Fear of the Lord doesn't mean I'm afraid of God. The fear of the Lord is I'm taking God seriously" - Father Mike explains the proper reverence required.

Standing Still While God Fights

Father Mike highlights the key message: "The Lord fights for you. You have only to stand still" as potentially the word of the day from today's reading.

"There are some times when the Lord just says, nope, I am fighting for you. You stand straight. You stand still. You hold your position" - Father Mike

The priest encourages listeners to pray for each other, acknowledging "there's battles that are happening in every one of our lives."