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
Solemnity of Pentecost — Homily by Fr. Ermatinger
Audio in Full Post
Transcription of Homily
Hetoimasia Icon / The Holy Spirit and the Preparation of the Throne of the Lord
Translation of the Epistle for the Solemnity of Pentecost
When the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy […]
St. Augustine, Do Our Prayers Manipulate God?
Question 042
Does this mean that we manipulate God through our charming praise?
God should be loved and praised gratuitously. What does ‘gratuitous’ mean?’ It means praising him for his own sake, and not for the sake of something else. For if you were to praise God that he might give you something else, you cease to love God freely. You would cringe if your wife loved you for your money…
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger
Pagan religion and pagan occultism are not dissimilar in that they both seek to discover which precise rituals, incantations, […]
St. Augustine, How Should We Praise God For The Things We Receive?
Question 041 Part III
What is praise?
The rule is very brief: he pleases God who is pleased by God. And, beloved, do not think that this has to do with pleasure. See how many of you oppose God because you are not pleased with his works. True enough, when he wants to work against the will of men, because he is Lord because he knows what he should do, he does not take into account so much our will as our well-being. Those who would rather that their own will were fulfilled before God’s, think to please God with their will, rather than correct their will by conforming it to him. […]
St. Augustine, How Should We Praise God For His Gifts?
Question 041. Part II
What is praise?
See whether this man, upon meditating on your works, has turned his gaze towards the works and away from the Worker. Observe whether or not he has descended from the Maker of all things to the things he has made. For what he has made has been made as a ladder to ascend to him, not descend from him. For if you love these things more than you love, him, you shall not possess him. What does it profit you to have an abundance of works if the Worker should leave you? Certainly, you should love those things, but love him more – and […]
