Chapter 87 — The place of the glorified bodies

Since a place should be proportionate to that which is in it, it follows that as the bodies of those who rise again acquire the properties of heavenly bodies, they have a place in heaven also, or rather above all the heavens. This is in order that they may be together with Christ, by whose power they will be brought to that glory, and of whom the Apostle says that he . . . ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things (Eph 4:10).

It seems stupid to argue against this divine promise from the natural position of the elements, as though it were impossible for the human body to be raised above the lighter elements because it is made of earth, and by nature should occupy the lowest place. For it is evident that, owing to the soul’s power, the body perfected by the soul does not follow the inclinations of the elements. Even in this life, the soul holds the body together by its power, lest it be dissolved through being composed of contrary elements. Again, by the motive power of the soul, the body is moved upwards, and so much the more as the motive power is stronger. Now it is evident that the soul’s power will be perfect when it is united by vision to God. Therefore, it should not seem difficult for the body to be preserved from all corruption by the power of the soul, and to be raised above all other bodies.

Nor is this divine promise proved to be impossible by the fact that the heavenly bodies are unbreakable, (According to the physical system in vogue at the time of St. Thomas the heavenly bodies or spheres were solid.) and prevent the glorified bodies from being raised above them, because the divine power will enable the glorified body to be in the same place as a heavenly body. We have already an indication of this in Christ’s body which came in to the disciples, the doors being closed.