Today’s Readings – Friday of Week 15 of Ordinary Time - First Reading

Commentary on Exodus 11:10—12:14

We have skipped several chapters of Exodus to come to today’s reading. The sufferings of the Hebrews became intolerable and eventually God sent what we call the Ten Plagues on Egypt in order to persuade the Pharaoh to let the Hebrews leave. After each one, the Pharaoh’s heart hardened and he refused to let God’s people go.

The Ten Plagues were as follows:

Water turned into blood (most likely caused by a plant which discoloured the water).
An infestation of frogs which penetrated every place and every home.
An infestation of gnats (mosquitoes?) on man and beast alike.
A plague of flies.
An epidemic which attacked all the livestock of the Egyptians, but not those of the Hebrews.
An epidemic of boils on humans and beasts. … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Thursday of Week 15 of Ordinary Time - First Reading

Commentary on Exodus 3:11-20

We are still with Moses as he speaks with God at the burning bush. God has asked Moses to be the leader of his people to rescue them from their life of slavery and hardship in Egypt. And Moses has heard this with some alarm. He feels unsuited to such a huge … Continue