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, How is the Liturgy the Source and Summit of Prayer?
Question 039.
How is the liturgy the “source and the summit”?
Man’s soul struggles onward towards that it loves so that it might rest upon reaching it. When the soul finds its delight in God, there she finds true, certain, eternal rest, for which it has vainly sought in other objects.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
The end of man is the praise and glory of God. This is where he shall find his rest, his peace, his fulfillment, his eternal delight in God. Man, as a species, is called to the praise of God within the hierarchical order of creation. […]
St. Augustine, Is Vocal Prayer Necessary?
Question 038.
If contemplation is the height of all prayer, why should we use vocal prayer?
At certain stipulated times, we employ words in our prayer to God. And it is by signs such as these that we correct ourselves and discover the degree of progress obtained in this desire, in order to burn even more and achieve an increase in strength. According to the proportion of the ardor of our desire before a prayer is uttered, so will be its effectiveness.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
Vocal prayer can be done in private, in solitary or with others, or in public, in solitary or […]
St. Augustine, How Does Prayer Impact the Soul?
Question 037.
What effects does prayer bring about in the soul?
Prayer produces a certain conversion of the heart towards him who is already ready to give inasmuch as we are in condition to receive. And in this conversion a purification of the interior eye is wrought in such a way that those things in the temporal order which we used to desire are excluded. In this way the inner eye, having become pure, can withstand the pure light… but not only withstanding the light, it dwells in it too.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
Prayer brings about two changes in […]
Fourth Sunday After Easter — Homily by Fr. Ermatinger
Audio in Full Post
The Creation of Adam, Michelangelo, c. 1512
Transcription of Homily
Translation of the Epistle for the Fourth Sunday of Easter.
Dearly beloved, every best gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration. For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creatures. You know, my dearest brethren. And let every man be swift to hear, but slow to speak, and slow to anger. For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God. Wherefore casting away all uncleanness, […]