Aquinas...John's Apocalypse

Roguejim Mon Mar 21, 2011 5:48 pm

Did Aquinas write any commentary on the "new earth" mentioned in John's Apocalypse?

columba Mon Mar 21, 2011 6:40 pm

I would like to read it too if he has writtn on it.
I have the Commentary of St Thomas on the four gospels which is free to download from a few sites but couldn't find any other commentaries of his.

I had read the following from the CCC about 6 weeks ago and it isn't clear from this if the new earth is to come after the final judgement or before.

1046 For the cosmos, Revelation affirms the profound common destiny of the material world and man:

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God . . . in hope because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay. . . . We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.639

1047 The visible universe, then, is itself destined to be transformed, "so that the world itself, restored to its original state, facing no further obstacles, should be at the service of the just," sharing their glorification in the risen Jesus Christ.640

1048 "We know neither the moment of the consummation of the earth and of man, nor the way in which the universe will be transformed. The form of this world, distorted by sin, is passing away, and we are taught that God is preparing a new dwelling and a new earth in which righteousness dwells, in which happiness will fill and surpass all the desires of peace arising in the hearts of men."641

1049 "Far from diminishing our concern to develop this earth, the expectancy of a new earth should spur us on, for it is here that the body of a new human family grows, foreshadowing in some way the age which is to come. That is why, although we must be careful to distinguish earthly progress clearly from the increase of the kingdom of Christ, such progress is of vital concern to the kingdom of God, insof[/ar as it can contribute to the better ordering of human society."642

1050 "When we have spread on earth the fruits of our nature and our enterprise . . . according to the command of the Lord and in his Spirit, we will find them once again, cleansed this time from the stain of sin, illuminated and transfigured, when Christ presents to his Father an eternal and universal kingdom."643 God will then be "all in all" in eternal life:644

Roguejim Mon Mar 21, 2011 10:10 pm

I've been informed by Fr. Harrison that the commentary is to be found in the Summa. I wonder if LaGrange had any commentary? Time to do some digging...

I must confess, embarrassingly, to having never been taught this particular revelation of the "new earth" before. I first really heard of it only about two weeks ago, to discover that it is "of the faith" no less. Fascinating.

Guest Tue Mar 22, 2011 10:12 am

If it's in the Summa, then I'd guess it's in the Supplement somewhere around his commentary on the Resurrection (of our bodies at the end of time). I think St. Thomas talks about the state of the world there as well.

I'm not sure if the great Fr. LaGrange has a commentary on it, I haven't made it through all of his works yet. You'll have to let me know if he does, that'd be an interesting read.

DeSelby Tue Mar 22, 2011 12:53 pm

The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life by Fr. Charles Arminjon has a section, I think, on this topic that may be useful. It's not St. Thomas but he goes into references from Fathers and Doctors. It was originally published in 1881 (off the top of my head). Maybe I'll post some excerpts if it has anything.

I believe Marian is also correct about that information being found in the "Supplement" part of the Summa. I'll have a look there as well.

Roguejim Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:44 pm

That was easy to find once I knew where to look. Thanks.

http://www.newadvent.org/summa/5091.htm

Lourdes Tue Mar 22, 2011 2:18 pm

I don't have the intellectual capabilities of comprehending St. Thomas Aquinas, but I did take a look at the New Advent link.

He must have been a strange one. Who even thinks of these things? Rolling Eyes