The movement of the human soul, and human society in general, from its fallen chaotic state towards divine order is at the heart of the Blog of Padre Pio Press. Writings, ponderings, and reflections on this movement of the soul are authored by Fr. Cliff Ermatinger and by the occasional Guest Contributor. The articles and recordings are relegated to the following areas:
Throughout the Month of May,
Padre Pio Press Cordially Invites Its Readership to Join In Saying:
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Augustine, Does God Lead Us Into Temptation?
Question 60
What does “lead us not into temptation” mean?
Temptation comes about like a sort of inquiry in which man discovers who he is, for previously, he was hidden from himself, but not so hidden from his Maker.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger
There is a complexity in the prayer not to be led into temptation because it is, on the face of it, a prayer that is not answered. At the bare minimum, all men struggled constantly throughout their lives with concupiscence, which remains after baptism as a trial. The moral life is fraught with temptations […]
St. Augustine, What Does it Mean to Forgive Trespasses?
Question 59
What does “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” mean?
When we pray, Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us, we are reminded of both what we should ask, and what we should do in order to be worthy of receiving what we ask… If you would obtain mercy, be merciful. If you are not humane to men, though you are a man, God will deny you divinity… by which he makes us gods. For God needs nothing from you, but you need God.
St. Augustine, What is “Our Daily Bread”?
Question 58
What does “give us this day our daily bread” mean?
When we pray, Give us this day our daily bread, the word this day, means this present time, in which we ask for all that makes up temporal blessings…and bread, means the sacrament of believers, which in this present time is necessary in order to obtain this felicity – not in the present time – but in eternity.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger
Fresco on Dome of Apse Above Main Altar, Sainte Radegonde Church, France
As man is both body and […]
