From someone who lived a majority of my life never knowing the Saints, I am so grateful to have them now.
I used to believe that when we died, we became angels and just drifted up to Heaven where we might “watch over” our loved ones but really have no effect on their lives.
In a way, I diminished people’s power once they got to Heaven. Souls in Heaven were less helpful to souls on earth, because I was taught that God cut us off from one another.
Thank God—thank God—that is not true. People who have made it to Heaven are Saints. Perfected in love, beholding the Beatific Vision, the Saints are immensely more powerful and their prayers for us are offered up right before the throne of God.
God knows we need them. We need them as examples of how mere humans can live out the Christian life well, we need them to relate to, we need their prayers, and we need their love.
God us not limited by time and space, Catholic Pilgrims, unable to allow Heaven and Earth to be connected. He does not diminish us once we reach the glories of Heaven. He does not cut us off from our brothers and sisters that have gone before us.
I love the part of the Mass where the priest says, “With your Blessed Apostles and glorious Martyrs and with all the Saints, on whose constant intercession in your presence we rely for unfailing help.” What a comfort.
Blessed be God in His angels and in His Saints.
Have a blessed All Saints’ Day!
