"Why do you pray to Saints when you can go directly to God?"
"They can't hear you they are dead."
I was once at a Bible study with a Protestant friend who suggested our relatives in heaven can't hear us, because they are dead. However, the Transfiguration of Jesus, where Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Him, provides a poignant example that saints in heaven are indeed aware of earthly events and can interact with those on earth. This event powerfully illustrates how saints like Moses and Elijah, though they lived centuries earlier, remain actively engaged and capable of participating in God's ongoing plan, affirming the belief that they can hear and respond to our prayers (Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36).
This also reminds me of the Archangel Raphael in the Book of Tobit, who responded to the prayers of Tobiah and Sarah. Their heartfelt pleas for deliverance were answered by God through Raphael, who not only guided and protected them but also brought healing and peace to their lives, demonstrating that heaven is indeed attentive to our calls for help (Tobit 3:7-17, 5:4-12, 12:12-15).
Our missions extend beyond Earth—God assigns us roles in heaven to assist others on Earth. Saints in heaven actively participate in this divine plan. They aren't burdened but are humble servants eager to assist.
Another Protestant friend suggested that Saints might feel troubled or disconcerted by our prayers, believing these should be directed solely to God. However, this view misunderstands the saints' joyful willingness to serve in their heavenly roles. He also mentioned that praying to St. Anthony for help finding lost items seems superstitious. But even in this seemingly small request, St. Anthony exemplifies humility and readiness to assist us, ensuring that even the smallest requests help us strengthen our relationship with God. It's understood that any aid from St. Anthony is granted through God's grace, reinforcing our connection to Him.
Each morning, as I pray the Litany of St. Joseph, I am reminded of the structure of our prayers: starting with calls for mercy from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, followed by requests from Mary and St. Joseph to “pray for us.” This underscores that while we seek the saints' prayers, our ultimate faith and dependence are on God’s mercy. Just like asking a friend to pray for us, we ask these saints—closer to God than we are—for their intercession. In turning to saints like the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, we are fulfilling God’s will, supported by the grace of God.
Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, pray for us. Amen.