What happens to the souls of the just as soon as they enter heaven?
They immediately behold the vision of God which renders them supremely happy (First Part, XII. 11).
Is it by their own power that they can thus see God, or must they receive some new perfection which strengthens their power of vision?
It is necessary for them to receive a further supernatural perfection other than grace, virtues, and gifts which they already possess (ibid. XII. 5).
What is this ulterior perfection called?
It is called the Light of Glory (ibid.).
What is meant by this?
It is a quality infused by God into the mind of the blessed which strengthens and elevates it, making it capable of receiving within it as the principle of its act of vision the Divine Essence itself in all its splendour (ibid.).
What results from this union of the Divine Essence with the mind of the blessed?
The result is that the blessed see God as He sees Himself (ibid.).
Is this the vision that is called Face to Face?
Yes, such as is promised us in the Holy Scriptures; and such as makes us like to God as far as it is possible for a creature to be.
Is it in order to communicate this vision to the blessed that God created all things, and rules and guides them all, from the beginning to the end of the world?
Yes. Moreover, when all the places He has marked in heaven shall be filled the actual course of the world will come to an end; and He will re-establish this world in a new state which will be that of the resurrection.
Can we know when the end of the world will come?
No; this depends entirely upon the counsels and providence of God.
Next - The Catechism of the Summa - Tertia Pars - XLV. OF HEAVEN (C)
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