Simone Weil ("Mystiker:innen im Gespräch")

In the organizer's words:

Mystics have had sensual and spiritual experiences of God that have shaped their entire lives. They are people who still fascinate us today and have a lot to tell us.

"Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity."

Simone Weil was a border crosser par excellence: highly gifted philosopher, political activist in the factory and during the Spanish Civil War, radical thinker and ultimately one of the most provocative mystics of the 20th century. Her path led her away from political ideologies and towards a deeply personal encounter with Christ - without ever formally joining the church. She deliberately remained "on the threshold".

In this evening of discussion, we will focus on core motifs of her thinking that are experiencing a surprising renaissance today:

• contemplative prayer as "pure attention", which also opens our eyes to the suffering of our neighbors
• the tension between the "gravity" of earthly existence with its entanglements and the liberating power of the divine, of "grace"
• the radical commitment to the dignity of working people and the search for a spirituality that leads to concrete action

Simone Weil's mysticism is not quiet or escapist; it is a "waiting for God" that does not hide the pain of the world, but endures it in love. Together we will explore what this "subversive saint" has to say to us today about presence, compassion and the power of silence.

ELEMENTS: Lecture, shared reading, conversation, prayer
GUIDANCE : Irmgard Poestges, theologian, spiritual guide

Price information:

TICKETS: VVK/B.O. | Maxhaus-Foyer, eintrittskarten@maxhaus.de or 0211 9010252 The number of participants is limited. Reservation recommended.