The Catechism of the Summa - The Second Part: V. OF THE MEANS OF REALIZING THIS POSSESSION, OR OF THE GOOD ACTS WHICH ARE DESERVING OF IT, AND OF EVIL ACTS WHICH BRING ABOUT ITS LOSS

V. OF THE MEANS OF REALIZING THIS POSSESSION, OR OF THE GOOD ACTS WHICH ARE DESERVING OF IT, AND OF EVIL ACTS WHICH BRING ABOUT ITS LOSS

Can man on earth and in this life come to possess this perfect happiness which is the vision of God?

No, on earth and in this life it is impossible for man to come to possess the vision of God which is his perfect happiness, for the conditions of this life and the miseries therereof are incompatible with such fullness of happiness (V. 3). 

How can man attain to the vision of God which constitutes his perfect happiness?

Man can only attain to the vision of God which constitutes his perfect happiness by the help of God from whom he receives it (V. 5).

Does God confer this boon upon man if man do not by merit prepare himself thereto?

No, God will not confer this boon upon man unless by merit he make himself worthy to receive it (V. 7).

What then has man to do on earth and in this life?

On earth and in this life man has only to prepare himself by way of merit to receive from God some day the beatific vision and all that it entails; and this shall come about when God gives to man his reward.

Next - The Catechism of the Summa - The Second Part: VI. OF WHAT IS IMPLIED IN A HUMAN ACT FOR IT TO BE A GOOD MERITORIOUS ACT, OR A BAD DEMERITORIOUS ACT; AND OF MERIT AND DEMERIT IN GENERAL (A)