"A great multitude of dear ones is there expecting us: a vast and mighty crowd of parents, brothers, and children. Secure now of their own safety, anxious yet of our salvation, they long that we may come to their sight and embrace — to that joy which will be common to us and to them — to that pleasure expected by our celestial fellow-servants, as well as ourselves — to that full and perpetual joy. If it be a pleasure to go to them, let us eagerly and covetously hasten on our way, that we may soon be with them, and soon be with Christ; that we may have Him as our guide in this journey, Who is the Author of Salvation, the Prince of Life, the Giver of Gladness, and who lives and reigns with God the Father almighty, and with the Holy Spirit."

(Bede, quoted in The Lord Will Answer, p. 439)