Receptivity in the Mystical Theology of Teilhard de Chardin
Presentation: February 6, 2010
Fr. Kelly Nemeck, S.T.D.
Brief Description of Presentation
Under the term "passivities" (les passivites) Teilhard treats what we in English call "receptivity." Hence: That which is in us, but not done by us, is by definition received in us. Often Teilhard uses the word "passivities" without any qualifier. In certain contexts, however, he does specify a particular kind of receptivity.
The presentation focuses on this mystery according to the three basic forms which Teilhard designates: (1) the passivities of existence, (2) the passivities of growth and of diminishment, (3) the passivities of a superior order.
Under passivities of growth and of diminishment, Teilhard treats our struggle with God against evil, our apparent defeat and its transformation, communion with God in faith through diminishment, and true Christian resignation.
Under passivities of a superior order, Teilhard treats the meaning of the Cross, the spiritual power of matter, Teilhard's "third way," detachment by passing‑all‑the‑way‑through and by sublimation.
Prayer Exercise
Centering Prayer
Preparation for Session and Bibliography
Click below for preparation
readings for the lecture.
For a short biography of Teilhard de Chardin, go to http://www.teilharddechardin.org/biography.html
For brief reflective readings and photographs, go to http://www.teilharddechardin.org/teilharddechardin.pdf
Click here for introductory materials for Fr. Nemeck's presentation.
To prepare for most of the topics to be covered in the presentation, see: Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's The Divine Milieu, first published in 1957, or Francis Kelly Nemeck's Receptivity (ISBN 1‑57910‑538‑6).
A specific bibliography on the subject will be furnished with the handouts that provided on the morning of the presentation.
About Fr. Kelly Nemeck, S.T.D.
Rev. Francis Kelly Nemeck, OMI
Lecturer in Spiritual and Doctrinal Theology
B.A., S.T.L., M.A. University of Ottawa
S.T.D. Les Facultes Catholiques de Lyon
After ordination with the Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate, Kelly Nemeck spent five years teaching theology at what is now Oblate School of Theology (San Antonio). Those were the years of Vatican Council II. He next served as a missionary among the Chantal “Indians” in southern Mexico and in inner-city parish ministry in Houston, Texas.
In the early 1970s, he earned a doctorate in spiritual theology from the Catholic Institute of Lyons, France. His thesis, under the direction of Henri de Lubac, SJ, was a study of receptivity in the spirituality of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ as compared to certain aspects of the dark night of the soul in St. John of the Cross.
In 1973, he joined the community at Lebh Shomea House of Prayer, Sarita, Texas. There -- with the grace of God -- he has lived and ministered ever since. He is currently Co-director of Lebh Shomea House of Prayer. Over the years he has given numerous retreats and seminars and has published six books on spirituality and prayer: O Blessed Night: Recovering from Addiction, Codependency and Attachment; Receptivity; The Spiritual Journey; The Way of Spiritual Direction; Contemplation; Called by God; and Discerning Vocations to Marriage, Celibacy, Singlehood.