Heaven and the Four Last Things

The four weeks of Advent are often used as a time to preach about the beauty of Heaven and the “four last things.” On Christmas Day we affirm through the birth of Jesus Christ that although we are born under the confines of “time and space” we are meant to live for all eternity. Yes, every human being is destined to live always, either before the glory of the Beatific Vision of the Godhead; or to live with the loss of God forever.

Let’s talk about Heaven first!

What is the Beatific Vision? It is the direct seeing of the Holy Trinity, with nothing standing between the soul and God. It is called “beatific” because it will produce intense and lasting happiness, such as only God has the right to enjoy but that He shares with those who enter Heaven. Access is granted to those who have lived grace-filled lives on earth. St. Paul speaks of this anticipated joy to the Church in Corinth. He writes:

But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who truly love Him... (1Co 2:9)

Our faith propels us towards the beatific vision. Faith allows us to taste the sweetness of God in advance of the light of the promised beatific vision, which is the goal of our journey here on earth. In Heaven we shall see God "face to face", "as He is". (1 Cor 13:12; 1 Jn 3:2). So the exercise of our faith is already the beginning of eternal life.

St. Thomas Aquinas explains that “when we contemplate the blessings of faith even now, as if gazing at a reflection in a mirror, it is as if we already possessed the wonderful things which our faith assures us we shall one day enjoy.”

Is there any real communication among the persons in Heaven? Simply put, yes! The angels and saints glorified communicate with one another. The ties of blood and friendship that we enjoy now on earth will continue into eternity. And of course, these relationships are now perfected and fully glorified. We shall enjoy the companionship of Christ in His humanity, along with the companionship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, angels and archangels, saints and all the company of Heaven.

So who are these persons in Heaven? For sure it will be so many that we know. And we speak of them in the Liturgy as “the angels and archangels and all the company of Heaven.” These are the dear persons who encountered death in faith and in a state of grace.

So what are the “four last things?

The four last things are what await every person, namely death, judgment, Heaven and hell. They have been called the four “last” things because they are the last things in our lives at the end of time and the beginning of eternity. Scripture reminds us that “

In everything you do, remember your end, and you will never sin.” (Eccles 7:40)

Occasional meditation on the four last things can help keep us focused on living a faithful Christian life.

The four last things help us more deeply appreciate the chance we have for the Beatific Vision of God. It reminds us that we shall enjoy not only God and the angels but also redeemed creation and creatures. It makes sense why St. John wrote, “… and I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them; He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away. (Rev 21:2-4)