What is the Beatific Vision in Catholic theology?
The Beatific Vision is the direct, unmediated contemplation of God in His heavenly essence, face to face, enjoyed by the angels and saints for all eternity. Because God's infinite majesty transcends human natural capacity, God elevates the intellect of the blessed through the 'light of glory' (lumen gloriae). In the Beatific Vision, human persons experience the supreme fulfillment of all longing, infinite joy, perfect rest, and complete union of love with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1028-1029
- 1 Corinthians 13:12
- 1 John 3:2
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.