Saints are venerated as they reflect the glory of God.  John 17: 20-23  “The glory you have given me I have given to them”. St. Paul says God honors those who are righteous. Romans 2:4-11 “For he will give man according to his works. Those who patiently do good works , seek glory and honor and immortality, he will be given eternal life…. glory and honor to every one who does good”. Romans  13:1-7 instructs us to “respect  to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.”