of all things" mentioned by St. Peter. [1] It is the revelation for which all nature groaneth and travaileth in expectation, waiting for the adoption of the sons of God. [2] Isaias also prophesied this renewal: "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make to stand before me, saith the Lord: so shall your seed stand and your name." [3] Hence St. Peter writes: "But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to his promises, in which justice dwelleth." [4] The "heavens" in this connection probably refers to the space occupied by the atmosphere surrounding the earth. This was the opinion of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. Others be lieve that it includes all the heavenly bodies, the entire universe. The "sea" may be taken literally, though in a symbolic sense it refers to the nations opposed to the Church. [5]
5, 6. The work of Redemption is now completed even for inanimate nature which had been cursed in the sin of man: "For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who made it subject in hope. Because the creature also itself shall be delivered from the servitude of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God." [6]
All things began in Christ by creation; they now find their destiny in Him who is "Alpha and Omega, the
