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 Does Charity Relate to Prayer?
Question 036.
What relation does charity have to prayer?
Whoever has brotherly charity, and his heart withstands the interrogation of a just examination of conscience, discovering nothing but the true root of charity from which good fruits come, by this man has confidence in God and shall indeed receive from him whatever he asks, because he keeps his commandments.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
When one prays, what is it that one asks for? One prays in the hope of receiving those good things of God that He has promised. The chief of these good things is Himself – that the distance between oneself and […]
St. Augustine, How Does Increasing Prayer Increase Faith?
Question 035.
So there seem to be degrees of faith. Can we say that the degree of faith we have is determined by our degree of prayer?
Consider the Apostles: they would never have left all they had, trodden this world’s hopes underfoot, and followed the Lord if their faith were not great. And yet, if their faith were perfect, they would not have said to the Lord, “increase our faith.”… “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” ‘I believe’ there was faith. But, ‘help my unbelief’: therefore, this was an imperfect faith.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
St. Augustine, How Does Temptation Relate to Prayer?
Question 034.
Christ says, Watch and pray, that you do not fall into temptation. What is the relation between prayer and temptation?
What is to enter into temptation but to fail in faith? Temptation advances as faith lets up. And temptation yields as faith advances… He who fights prays, and would not he who is in danger pray?
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
Just as entering into faith is to be a participant in the action of faith, entering into temptation is to be a participant in the temptation. It is important at this juncture to delineate between the hearing through […]
Third Sunday After Easter — Homily by Fr. Ermatinger
Audio In Full Post
Second Class – The Parting. “Thus part we rich in sorrow, parting poor”, Abraham Solomon, 1855
Transcription of Homily
Translation of the Epistle for the Third Sunday after Easter:
Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, to refrain yourselves from carnal desires which war against the soul, Having your conversation good among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by the good works which they shall behold in you, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Be ye subject therefore to every human creature for God’s sake: whether it be to the king as excelling, Or to governors as sent by him for the punishment […]