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has deprived himself of his God, be more severely
tormented in realizing more deeply the great good
which he has lost.

Teaching of St. Thomas

St. Thomas describes for us perfectly in what will consist the happiness of the elect and the tor­
ment of the reprobate. Insofar as his intellect is concerned, the Saint remarks, man will find com­
plete joy in the vision of God; but, insofar as his affections are concerned, he will find complete
satisfaction in the permanent union of his will with the infinite goodness of God. On the other
hand, the torment of the damned will consist in being deprived of all divine light in his
intellect, and in finding his affections obstinately turned away from the Divine Goodness.
Elsewhere the saintly Doctor teaches that, though the punishment of the fire will be more
terrifying, this separation from God is, however, a greater torment than that of the fire.

God Makes Heaven

In short, it is God who will be our paradise, for He embraces all goods in Himself, as He Himself
once declared to Moses: "I will show thee all good." (Ex. 33:19). Such was also the promise which
He made to Abraham because of his merits: "Fear not, Abram, I am thy protector, and thy reward
exceedingly great." (Gen. 15:1). And what greater reward can He promise than