Summary

Portrait of Thomas Aquinas Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologiae — Question 90 - OF THE FORM OF THE JUDGE IN COMING TO THE JUDGMENT…

But the goods of the Creation would not suffice us to obtain the reward of eternal life, without the addition of the boon of the Redemption, on account of the obstacle accruing to created nature through the sin of our first parent. Hence, since the last judgment is directed to the admission of some to the kingdom, and the exclusion of others therefrom, it is becoming that Christ should preside at that judgment under the form of His human nature, since it is by favor of that same nature's Redemption that man is admitted to the kingdom.
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Thomas Aquinas Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologiae — Question 90 - OF THE FORM OF THE JUDGE IN COMING TO THE JUDGMENT…

Now it is possible for things that are pleasurable, by participation of goodness which is the aspect of appetibility or pleasurableness, not to give pleasure when they are apprehended, but it is impossible for that which is good by its essence not to give pleasure when it is apprehended. Therefore since God is essentially His own goodness, it is impossible for the Godhead to be seen without joy.
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Thomas Aquinas Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologiae — Question 90 - OF THE FORM OF THE JUDGE IN COMING TO THE JUDGMENT…

Further, if a certain vision is not always delightful, it happens sometimes to be painful. But intellective vision is never painful since "the pleasure we take in objects of understanding has no grief opposed to it," according to the Philosopher (Topic. ii) . Since then the Godhead cannot be seen save by the intellect, it seems that the Godhead cannot be seen without joy.
I answer that, In every object of appetite or of pleasure two things may be considered, namely the thing which is desired or which gives pleasure, and the aspect of appetibility or pleasurableness in that thing.
Source: Wikisource

Get perspective with Kwize: daily news enlightened by great literature