Day 142: The New Heaven & The New Earth

In this new universe, the heavenly Jerusalem, God will have his dwelling among men. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." CCC 1044

In today's reading, the Catechism speaks about what comes after the Last Judgment: "a new heaven and a new earth" (Rev 21:1). Everything will change and most importantly, the saved will "reign forever with Christ." In this new and glorified reality, 

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (Rev 21:4)

The Catechism Compendium summarizes today's section:

After the final judgment the universe itself, freed from its bondage to decay, will share in the glory of Christ with the beginning of “the new heavens” and a “new earth” (2 Peter 3:13). Thus, the fullness of the Kingdom of God will come about, that is to say, the definitive realization of the salvific plan of God to “unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:10). God will then be “all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28) in eternal life. (#216)

The Catechism Companion, Vol II notes:

We should live in a way that leads to living with God forever and enjoying the new heaven and new earth. Not only humans but all of creation will be renewed. The hope of the new heaven and new earth reminds us that we are made for another world, where everything centers around God. St. Cyril says, "Thanks to his mercy, we too, men that we are, have received the inalienable promise of eternal life." (p. 48) 

John of Patmos watches the descent of New Jerusalem from God in a 14th-century tapestry