Overview of Day 34: The Passover Instituted (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz reads and reflects on Exodus 12 (the institution of Passover), Leviticus 9 (the inaugural priestly sacrifices), and Psalm 114 (a poetic praise of God’s wonders at the Exodus). He highlights how Exodus 12 both accomplishes deliverance for Israel and foreshadows Christ — especially the Passover lamb — and connects these Old Testament signs to the new and eternal covenant celebrated in the Eucharist.
Key scripture passages covered
- Exodus 12 — instructions for the first Passover: selection and slaughter of an unblemished lamb, marking doorposts with blood, eating unleavened bread, the death of the Egyptian firstborn, Israel’s hurried departure, and the ordinance’s perpetuity.
- Leviticus 9 — Aaron’s sin, burnt, and peace offerings on the eighth day; God’s glory appears and fire consumes the offerings, prompting worship.
- Psalm 114 — poetic recounting of God’s power at the Exodus (sea fled, Jordan turned back, mountains skipping).
Main takeaways
- Exodus 12 is both historical deliverance and rich typology pointing to Jesus:
- The Passover lamb is a type of Christ — “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Father Mike underscores gospel parallels (John the Baptist, Paul, and the timing of Jesus’ death with Passover lamb slaughter).
- Marking the doorposts with blood signs deliverance (God “passes over”) and, typologically, signifies being covered by Christ’s blood.
- The Passover ritual establishes identity and covenant membership:
- Participation was tied to being “inside” the covenant (circumcision required for full participation); Father Mike draws a parallel with baptism and Church membership governing who receives the Eucharist.
- Leviticus 9 shows God’s acceptance of sacrificial worship (fire from the Lord consumes the offerings) and public recognition of God’s presence.
- Psalm 114 invites awe and praise — nature responds to the Lord’s presence.
Theological insights and connections
- Justice and mercy: the death of the Egyptian firstborn is hard to read, but Father Mike frames it within God’s justice and prior warnings to Pharaoh; it’s also part of the larger, coherent biblical narrative of covenant faithfulness and judgment.
- Typology: the Passover lamb as prefiguration of Christ — sacrificial, unblemished, offered for deliverance (and the Mass/Eucharist as the new covenant).
- Covenant signs: covering names/doorposts with blood is read both culturally (archaeological note about stone lintels bearing names) and spiritually — God’s people are “covered” and transformed by the Lamb’s blood.
- Communion practice: the Old Covenant rules limiting participation (circumcision requirement) are used to explain why the Church has always reserved Eucharistic reception to those incorporated into the covenant/community (baptism and profession of faith).
Notable observations and phrases
- “The sacrificial lamb has value on its own, but when it lives with you for a week, then it becomes precious to you.”
- The people of Israel “cover their own names with the blood of the Lamb” — Father Mike uses this to illustrate how Christians are covered and transformed by Christ’s sacrifice.
- Leviticus 9: God’s glory appears and fire consumes the offering — a tangible sign of divine acceptance that moves people to worship.
Practical applications / action items
- Approach the Eucharist worthily: come to Mass with hearts open and renewed by grace; recognize the Eucharist as the fulfillment of the Passover covenant.
- Reflect on being “covered” by Christ’s blood — allow that identity to shape your life and worship.
- Pray with and for the community: Father Mike asks listeners to pray for him and for one another.
- Read Exodus, Leviticus, and related Gospel passages slowly — look for types and fulfillments (e.g., Passover lamb → Christ; unleavened bread; marking doors with blood).
Brief structural notes from the readings
- Exodus 12 sets up a multi-day observance (unleavened bread for seven days); strict rules (no leaven, no breaking of the lamb’s bone, one house per sacrifice, circumcision prerequisite for foreigners).
- Leviticus 9 narrates the official beginning of priestly sacrifice and the people’s public worship.
- Psalm 114 concludes the reading set with praise for God’s mighty deeds at the Exodus.
Final thought from the episode: Exodus 12 is both historical liberation and a profound foreshadowing of Christ and the Eucharist — a call to gratitude, worthy reception of Communion, and continual trust in God’s covenantal faithfulness. Father Mike closes asking listeners to pray for one another as the journey through Scripture continues.