How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Canto.Line). We used Allen Mandelbaum's translation.
Quote #10
[St. John]: "On earth my body now is earth and shall
be there together with the rest until
our number equals the eternal purpose.
Only those two lights that ascended wear
their double garment in this blessed cloister.
And carry this report back to your world." (Par. XXV, 124-129)
St. John dismisses a popular legend: in heaven he was one of the few allowed to wear his physical body along with his brilliant soul. St. John tells Dante the truth, that only the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ are allowed such a privilege. Only on Judgment Day will all the other souls be allowed to wear their bodies again.