The quote from Hilary Mantel's "Wolf Hall" presents a stark reminder about the nature of faith and salvation. It emphasizes that saints, while perhaps revered, are not protectors and cannot aid in one's journey toward salvation. Instead, it rebukes the notion of seeking spiritual assistance through rituals like prayers or candles, likening such attempts to hiring workers for a task, which underlines the futility of depending on external figures for spiritual fulfillment.
Moreover, the quote asserts the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice, emphasizing that salvation is not found in the rituals of the Mass or through the mediation of priests. It stresses the personal relationship between the believer and God, suggesting that individual faith and reliance on Christ's merits are what ultimately lead one to Heaven. This underscores a direct and personal approach to spirituality that negates the need for intermediaries.