Catechesis Notes for the Week — Promise Fulfilled in Triumphal Victory — This week’s Bible narratives bring us to the fulfillment of God’s promise to deliver His people from slavery in the Exodus. Exodus means, “the way out”—the “way out of slavery” was by the blood of the Passover Lamb. That Old Testament feast, involving the shedding of the Lamb’s blood and the eating of the Passover is fulfilled in the death of Christ and the Lord’s Supper. Israel Journeys to the Red Sea in their exodus from Egypt where the Lord Fights for Israel, delivering them through water from the pursuing Egyptians. The Red Sea crossing is a wonderful picture of Holy Baptism. We hear the sweet words of Gospel in what Moses tells the fearful children of Israel, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you this day!” From beginning to end, salvation is entirely the Lord’s doing. These Old Testament narratives further illuminate how the promises of the Gospel find their fulfillment in Christ’s work for us in His death and resurrection. The Song of Moses celebrates this great victory over the Egyptians, even as we sing the songs of Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the power of the Evil One. Finally, our Wednesday Lenten midweek meditations begin this week with the first reading from the St. Matthew Passion, Jesus Is Anointed at Bethany. In this reading we will meditate upon the gift of Holy Baptism and how we are united to Christ and He with us in Baptism. Jesus was anointed to die. In our Baptism, we are united to His death and resurrection through water and the Word.CP230226