Knowing The Word in 2 Corinthians 5:1-4, Our Heavenly Dwelling

1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

The beginning of chapter 5 shows Paul’s overall orientation: home is being with the Lord, who at this point is in heaven. Therefore, he calls our bodies “tents” because they are temporary dwelling places. He seems to believe that our resurrection bodies already exist, waiting for us in heaven. Because our earthly bodies are temporary, we live unsatisfied in this life, feeling as though there must be more concrete for us. We have on our underwear of flesh, knowing there is majestic eternal clothing yet to put on.

To thee, then O Jesus, do I turn my true and last end. Thou art the river of life which alone can satisfy my thirst. Without thee all else is barren and void. Without all else thou alone art enough for me. Thou art the Redeemer of those that are lost; the sweet Consoler of the sorrowful; the crown of glory for the victors; the recompense of the blessed. One day I hope to receive of thy fullness, and to sing the song of praise in my true home. Give me only on earth some few drops of consolation, and I will patiently wait thy coming that I may enter into the joy of my Lord.

Bonaventure, 1221-1274