Theological Foundations new file

177 The Eschatological Direction scribable but also inconceivable” (cf. 1 Cor 2, 9-10). 15 It is also in the mystical experience of St. Augustine that Father Stanislaus finds circumstances testifying to the glory of man which exceeds any comprehension: “St. Augustine, the Prince of Doctors, who has a similar understanding of this matter, says: ‘The beauty and splen- dor of the future Mystical Temple defy description and surpass any com- prehension by the human mind. What God has prepared for those who love Him can only be comprehended through faith or reached through hope.’ ” 16 This is why the author prefers to yearn for this glory rather than to attempt to describe it with his pen. And yet, he does try to make use of what some happy souls already managed to taste here on earth in moments of ecstasy. It follows from their experiences that after resur- rection, our bodies will be adorned with such attributes as freedom from pain, discrimination of judgment, agility and clarity. 17 This will be the result of the transformation of a perishable body into an imperishable one, of a sensual body into a spiritual one, of a terrestrial body into a celestial one (cf. 1 Cor 15, 35-44). 18 Father Papczynski points to yet another motive, which should prompt man to live a zealous Christian life, when he draws his readers’ attention to the truth that our senses will also share the happiness of our glorified bodies. In his conviction, it will be unutterable happiness for all of man’s senses: “Who would dare to speak of the senses of the body which are to be made unutterably happy? With what splendid fragrance will the sense of smell be refreshed! What great delight will our sight obtain from looking at God and all the most noble, most beautiful, most perfect creatures! What great pleasure will our taste take in sampling all kinds of flavors! In what great, if I may say so, symphony of the most splen- did melodies will our hearing rejoice! And with what great delight, con- stantly felt because of the body’s glorification, will our sense of touch be filled!” 19 Father Stanislaus sees the confirmation of these hopes in the Word of God, where the inspired authors paint a vision of heavenly delights in which the saved ones will share (cf. 1 Cor 15, 42-44; Ps 149, 5-6; Ps 36[35], 9-10; Is 60, 5; Is 35, 1). 20