New Heaven New Earth

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared now, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the holy city, and the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, as beautiful as a bride all dressed for her husband.

Apoc.21:1,2

Saint John sees the book of life being read for every soul that ever lived for the final judgement. The old world is then cast into the fiery lake and a new heaven and new earth, a new creation, comes from heaven for those judged worthy.

This vision is truly apocalyptical, depicting total destruction of the world. Yet it finishes with a great promise of eternal glory. This reminds me of the final book in the Narnian Chronicals, The Last Battle. C.S. Lewis describes the children entering a new world that is strangely familiar. They finally realise it is the old Narnia but so much more beautiful and clear and perfect, made of colors yet unseen, fruit with flavors yet untasted. More importantly they recognise Aslan who has turned into someone who is the perfection of his former lion-self.  

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come!
Saint Philip Neri, pray for me.