departed" means all those who died in a
state of grace and who are in Heaven or Purgatory. They may be in
Purgatory, and so we pray for them. We pray that they may "rest in
peace"--that is be in Heaven, where they will have no sufferings.

*419 Q. Will the bodies of the damned also rise?
A. The bodies of the damned will also rise, but they will be condemned
to eternal punishment.

420 Q. What is Heaven?
A. Heaven is the state of everlasting life in which we see God face to
face, are made like unto Him in glory, and enjoy eternal happiness.

The most delightful place we could possibly imagine as Heaven would not
be near what it really is. Everything that is good is there and forever,
and we shall never tire of its joys. All the pleasures and beauties of
earth are as nothing compared with Heaven; and though we think we can
imagine its beauty and happiness now, we shall see how far we have been
from the real truth if ever we reach this heavenly home.

"God face to face"--that is, as He is. We shall not see Him with the
eyes of the body, but of the soul. That we may see with our natural
eyes, two things are necessary: first, an object to look at, and
secondly, light to see it. Now, to see God in Heaven we need a special
light, which is called the "light of glory." God Himself gives us this
light and thus enables us to see Him as He is. This beautiful vision of
God in Heaven is called the "beatific vision," and thus our whole life
in Heaven--our joy and happiness--consists in the enjoyment of the
beatific vision.

*421 Q. What words should we bear always in mind?
A. We should bear always in mind these words of Our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ: "What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and
suffer the loss of his own soul, or what exchange shall a man give for
his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with
His angels: and then will He render to every man according to his
works."

What does it benefit the poor creatures in Hell to have been rich, or
beautiful, or learned, or powerful? If they had been good, it was all
that was necessary to escape all their sufferings. Is there anything on
earth that they would not give to be released? Why, then, did they sell
their souls for so little while on earth? The present is the only time
you have to merit Heaven and escape Hell. The past you cannot recall,
and of the future you are not sure. Then use the present well and decide
daily whether