Along with the New Testament, the Old Testament is an essential part of our Bible. What, then, is the inter-connection between the two? How are we to understand the Old Testament? Using the image of a veil, Paul deals with this question in today's First Reading. The image of the veil covering the understanding of the Israelites, suggests that there is something preventing them from really understanding the Old Testament namely, their lack of faith in Jesus: "whenever Israel turns to the Lord, the veil will be removed". Belief in Jesus as Lord, God and Son of God, provides the freedom to attain a deeper understanding of the writings of Moses, in the the Old Testament. Jesus Himself proclaimed: "Moses wrote about me" (Jn 5:46).

Throughout the liturgical year, our first reading at Daily Mass will frequently be from the Old Testament. While we may often wonder what these Old Testament readings have to say to us, let us take to heart Paul's reflections and engage in our own reflection to uncover the mystery of Christ already present in a hidden way even in the preparatory ages of the Old Testament.