Theme: Deliverance from bondage. The Old Testament readings, with the exception of the Roman Catholic, focus on God's great acts of deliverance. God sends prophets to announce their approaching freedom. We see the completion of God's intent in the gospel, where he gives to the church the power to deliver people from the bondage of sin.

COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Exodus 1:8 2:10
Generations after Joseph, the Israelites have multiplied and are regarded as a security risk. The period referred to here is from about 1308-1224 B.C. The Hebrews are afflicted with harsh burdens and the Pharaoh orders the midwives to destroy the infant boys, as they are born. This they refuse to do. To avert destruction, the mother of Moses places him in a sealed basket, which she floats in the river. The infant i…