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, What Else Helps Me to Pray?
Question 030.
It sounds as if humility is a prerequisite for prayer. Are there other virtues that prepare the way for effective prayer?
Faith, hope, and love, therefore, lead the man of prayer to God. That is the man who believes, hopes, and desires is guided with regard to what he should ask the Lord by study of the Lord’s Prayer.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
The virtues are those habits that dispose one to act in such a way that the action achieves its proper end. Prayer is the action, the end of which is the receiving of the good […]
St. Augustine, How Can I Ensure That God Hears My Prayers?
Question 029.
How can I guarantee that God will hear my prayer?
[God] does indeed bow down his ear, if you do not lift up your neck; for the Lord draws near to the humble man. But from the exalted man he distances himself, unless he himself has exalted that man for his humility. God then bows down his ear towards us. For he is on high, we below; he is in a high place, we in a low yet not yet desolate place.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
God has given man the ability to pray, the grace […]
St. Augustine, Are “The Elect” In Need of Prayer?
Question 028.
Does this mean that Augustine counts himself among “the elect,” and therefore not in need of prayer?
When you find me in these books, pray that I might not fail, but reach perfection. Pray, my son, pray…You would cheat me of great help if you were not to do so. But not only you, but anyone who by your witness should come to love me, let him pray for me, too. Read Sacred Scriptures, and you will discover that the Apostles, shepherds of Christ’s flock, asked it of their hearers… We have been placed over you, for you are of God’s flock… Ask, then, for us what we […]
Low Sunday / Divine Mercy Sunday — Homily by Fr. Ermatinger
Audio
Altar Mosaic, Dominus Flevit Church, Mount of Olives
Transcription of Homily
Translation of the Epistle for Low Sunday:
Dearly beloved, whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the world: and this is the victory which overcometh the world, our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit which testifieth, that Christ is the truth. And there are three who give testimony in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. And these three are one. And […]