An Open Heart (and Mind) Like Teilhard

Eternal Discovery and Eternal Growth

Teilhard was a Catholic priest who was on the outs because of his radical understanding of the physical universe. He was banished to China by the religious establishment so he wouldn’t create confusion amongst the laity of God. With time he was allowed to return and ultimately took up residence in New York City where he loved to walk in Central Park.

One day while Teilhard was walking with a friend in the park he came across a colourful caterpillar on the trail. He got down on all fours, shoved his nose into the caterpillar’s face and ecstatically praised God for its magnificence! For Teilhard, God was worthy of vigorous exaltation, whether in The Holy See, Hebei Province in northern China, or via a tiny caterpillar in Central Park.

We don’t come to know God in one clean shot. God reveals himself to us over time. Bit by bit. Otherwise, we would be blown away by the magnitude of the task and of His Glory. Maybe that’s why Teilhard reminds us of this truth:

And let us remember this: God does not offer himself to our finite beings as a thing all complete and ready to be embraced. For us he is eternal discovery and eternal growth. (Teilhard de Chardin, The Divine Milieu)

Eternal discovery and growth—not accessible through a handy tract, the four spiritual laws, or a theological acronym. Rather, God reveals himself/herself to us gradually in a manner that our hearts, minds, emotions, and spirits can humanly receive.

May we “come to know him” (Ephesians 1:15-19), enjoying the mystery and the ride.