SPIRITUALITY OF THE BOOK OF EXODUS, THE

The Book of Exodus is the key beginning to the foundations of Israelite and later Jewish Faith. Its contents and particular plot are designed to narrate not just the origins of this people’s faith but the way it is to be lived by readers and believers in ages to come.

First Talk – The Structure and Intention of the Book of Exodus as a Whole
We will explore the plot and the literary artistry of the Book as a single message for the reader and how the ancient “story” becomes a model for the community of faith.

Second Talk – The Call of Moses and His Call to Israel to Trust (Exodus 1-11)
The dramatic setting of God’s plan for deliverance (Exodus 1-2) is following by the equally dramatic story of Moses’ faith and how he brings it to the people. Special emphasis must fall on the prophetic call of Moses and the plagues.

Third Talk – The Time in the Desert as Formation of a People Called (Exodus 12-24)
The narrative of the escape from Egypt, replacement of the first-born, trial and testing, and Covenant-giving at Mount Sinai forms the foundations for Israel’s faith in God as a people of obedience.

Fourth Talk – The Centrality of Law, Priesthood, Sanctuary and Ark Traditions (Exodus 25-40)
The nature of Israel’s enduring faith’s tradition and spirituality of faithfulness to God alone is rooted in the Torah spirituality of Mount Sinai and the necessary accompaniment of the great priestly traditions of the Sanctuary and Ark Traditions.

Fifth Talk – Exodus and Passover in the Mystery of the Cross and Resurrection
Jesus himself is interpreted in the New Testament through the thought of Exodus, so we need also to look at the Exodus motif in the rest of the OT and Christian interpretation of the Last Supper, the Cross, Baptism and the Eucharist.