The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture WOF 442: Dante Ascends the Paradiso
Jun 17, 2024
Dive into Dante's journey through the highest heavens, encountering saints and angels on his way to the beatific vision. Explore the mystical theology with St. Bernard and unravel philosophical questions as he embraces the divine essence and the love of God.
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God's Active Presence
- God actively draws the world towards himself, reflecting his glory in all things.
- All creations, from angels to insects, manifest God's being, some more and some less.
The Ascent to Paradise
- In Dante's Paradiso, Virgil, representing human reason, is replaced by Beatrice, symbolizing theology, as Dante ascends.
- Souls in heaven experience fulfillment, though at varying levels of spiritual attainment.
Levels of Paradise
- Dante encounters souls who broke vows on the moon, those who excessively loved glory on Mercury, and great church minds on the sun.
- St. Bonaventure (Franciscan) tells of St. Dominic, while St. Thomas Aquinas (Dominican) tells of St. Francis, showing heavenly courtesy.