But the example of those few whose lives we know is not the sum total of the assistance which we can receive from the Saints, for they are living people: they are not just characters in the history books, mere figures of the past.  And Heaven, where they are, is not far away and inaccessible.  It is only where God is seen and, therefore, the closer our union with God the nearer we are to Heaven and to them.  The Saints are with us to assist us by their prayers, and we are surrounded by them on every side as we run our earthly race.  The author of the Letter to the Hebrews compares them to the spectators in the amphitheatre at Antioch who, like a great encircling cloud, look row upon row down into the arena below, where the athletes compete for victory in the games.

So the Blessed Saints are watching us today in the race of life with the same intent interest, and are helping us on by the power of their prayers.  St James assures us that, “The prayer of the righteous” even here on earth “is powerful and effective” (NRSV, James 5:16).  How much more effectual, therefore, are the prayers made by those spotless souls as they stand before the Eternal God and look upon his Face in perfect understanding of his will?