The intercession of the saints

[CyrilSebastian]

In the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it is stated:
The saints are our models of prayer. We also ask them to intercede before the Holy Trinity for us and for the whole world. Their intercession is their most exalted service to God’s plan.

How is the saints’ intercession their most exalted service to God’s plan?

 

[ctb95]

I’ll take a crack at it.

The Saints are part of the Church Triumphant, while we are part of the Church Militant. Our purpose here on earth is to follow Christ and lead as many souls as possible to Him. Throughout our lives we will encounter spiritual battles and temptations. Through our prayers to the saints, these battles are made easier and we are given support in difficult moments. Thus, the Saints cooperate in God’s plan for salvation by interceding for those who are still fighting the battle.

Blessings,

ctb95

 

[Ad_Orientem]

What more exalted service could they perform than obtain the salvation and sanctification of men?

 

[midori]

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

So-- if those in heaven are (a) able to see what’s going on on earth, and (b) care about what’s going on on earth, enough to (c) rejoice over something, wouldn’t it follow that (d) inviting them to participate through their intercession would be their important work?

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

And why is that? Because if you’re in heaven, after death, you have no more need of faith. You’re in the presence of God. You have no more need of hope. You’re in the presence of God. All that’s left is love. Intercession, whether performed here on earth or in heaven, is an act of love. But wouldn’t the intercession of a saint in the presence of God be far more potent than our stumblings on earth?

 

[Stilldreamn]

Well, I just had one of those “lightbulb” moments.:newidea:

James 5:16
Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.

1. Scripture does not say that we should only confess/admit our sins to another saint here on earth - why not tell our fellow Christians in the Church Triumphant about our troubles, sins, temptations and ask for their prayers just as we ask our brothers and sisters here on earth?
2. Prayers of a just/righteous man availeth much - all who are in the Church Triumphant are certainly justified and righteous in God’s sight.

The caution against idolatry would remain, that we don’t come to regard the saints as the authors of our help and healing - that would still be the work of God alone.