186 / 665
158 • Part I. The Creed: The Faith Professed
this will happen. But we do know that God will make this hap-
pen. At the end of time, “The universe itself, which is so closely
related to man and which attains its destiny through him, will
be perfectly re-established in Christ.” (LG, no. 48)
CHRISTIAN DEATH
We do not like to think about death. There is much in our culture that
distracts us from reflection about our final destiny. We are encouraged
to think only about the present moment and to fulfill today’s needs. But
the Christian embraces the total reality of life and God’s call to the full-
ness of life after death. Thus, for example, Christians assist those whose
earthly journey is coming to an end. “The dying should be given atten-
1. What happens when we die?
By death the soul is separated from the body, but in the
resurrection God will give incorruptible life to our body,
transformed by reunion with our soul. Just as Christ is
risen and lives for ever, so all of us will rise at the last day.
(CCC, no. 1016)
2. What is the beatific vision?
Because of his transcendence, God cannot be seen as he
is, unless he himself opens up his mystery to man’s imme-
diate contemplation and gives him the capacity for it. The
Church calls this contemplation of God in heavenly glory
“the beatific vision.” (CCC, no. 1028)
3. What does the Last Judgment call people to do?
The message of the Last Judgment calls men to conver-
sion while God is still giving them the “acceptable time . . .
the day of salvation.” (CCC, no. 1041, citing 2 Cor 6:2)
FROM THE CATECHISM