How did the apostle John transmit the heavenly voice?

[The voice from] heaven could find no better name for the new city, the new earth, and new heaven than “the tabernacle of God with men” (Rev. 21:3). O the greatness of the sublime love of God! It is as though God has been waiting for the everlasting life to rest by dwelling with us, even though we know that He is not in need of our servitude, but we are in need of His lordship.

• a. It is the eternal abode that St. John describes, detailing its dimensions and the materials of which it is constructed in a simple, symbolic style.

• b. It is to be in the presence of the heavenly Bridegroom and continually associate with Him.

• c. It is the assembly of the victorious faithful “who are considered to be heaven.” St. Augustine says, “all the spiritual are, as it were, God’s Heaven … The Church of God is Heaven”¹³⁶¹ … and heaven is the Church.