Raw reference: nos. 61-64, 522
CCC 61
The patriarchs, prophets and
The patriarchs, prophets and certain other Old Testament figures have been and always will be honoured as saints in all the Church's liturgical traditions.
CCC 62
After the patriarchs, God
After the patriarchs, God formed Israel as his people by freeing them from slavery in Egypt. He established with them the covenant of Mount Sinai and, through Moses, gave them his law so that they would recognize him and serve him as the one living and true God, the provident Father and just judge, and so that they would look for the promised Saviour. [Cf. DV 3.]
CCC 63
Israel is the priestly people
Israel is the priestly people of God, "called by the name of the LORD", and "the first to hear the word of God", [Dt 28: 10; Roman Missal, Good i Friday, General Intercession VI; see also Ex 19:6] The people of "elder brethren" in the faith of Abraham.
CCC 64
Through the prophets, God
Through the prophets, God forms his people in the hope of salvation, in the expectation of a new and everlasting Covenant intended for all, to be written on their hearts. [Cf. Is 2:2-4; Jer 31:31-34; Heb 10:16] The prophets proclaim a radical redemption of the People of God, purification from all their infidelities, a salvation which will include all the nations. [Cf. Ezek 36; Is 49:5-6; 53:11] Above all, the poor and humble of the Lord will bear this hope. Such holy women as Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Judith and Esther kept alive the hope of Israel's salvation. the purest figure among them is Mary. [Cf. Ezek 2:3; Lk 1:38]
CCC 522
The coming of God's Son to
The coming of God's Son to earth is an event of such immensity that God willed to prepare for it over centuries. He makes everything converge on Christ: all the rituals and sacrifices, figures and symbols of the "First Covenant". [Heb 9:15.] He announces him through the mouths of the prophets who succeeded one another in Israel. Moreover, he awakens in the hearts of the pagans a dim expectation of this coming.