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 July,
Padre Pio Press Cordially Invites Its Readership to Join in Saying:
Litany of the Most
Precious Blood of Jesus
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 […]
Sunday After Ascension — Homily by Fr. Ermatinger
Audio in Full Post
Transcription of Homily
Detail from Dutch Manuscript
Translation of the Holy Gospel according to St. John:
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, when the Paraclete cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony of me. And you shall give testimony, because you are with me from the beginning. These things have I spoken to you, that you may not be scandalized. They will put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth a service to God. And these things will they do to you; because […]