Chapter VII of Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, is entitled “The Eschatological Nature of the Pilgrim Church and Its Union with the Church in Heaven.” It continues as follows:
“50. . . . When we look at the lives of those who have faithfully followed Christ, we are inspired with a new reason for seeking the City that is to come (274) and at the same time we are shown a most safe path by which among the vicissitudes of this world, in keeping with the state in life and condition proper to each of us, we will be able to arrive at perfect union with Christ, that is, perfect holiness.(11*) In the lives of those who, sharing in our humanity, are however more perfectly transformed into the image of Christ,(275) God vividly manifests His presence and His face to men. He speaks to us in them, and gives us a sign of His Kingdom,(12*) to which we are strongly drawn, having so great a cloud of witnesses over us (276) and such a witness to the truth of the Gospel.”
(274) Cf. Hebrews 13:14; 11:10.
(275) Cf. 2 Corinthians 3:18.
(276) Cf. Hebrews 12:1.
(11*) Cf. Hebr. 13, 7: Eccli 44-50, Nebr. 11, 340. Cf. etia Pius XII, Litt. Encycl. Mediator Dei: AAS 39 (1947) pp. 582-583.
(12*) Cf. Cone. Vaticanum Const. De fide catholica, cap. 3 Denz. 1794 (3013).
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