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 It That My Inclination to Pray Is a Part of My Nature?
Question 019.
Does that mean that my inclination to pray is part of my nature? That I have come prepackaged for an encounter with God?
[Jesus] being glorified in his resurrection and ascension, brought many rich men to hold this present world in disdain, and thus truly enriching them by granting them the Holy Spirit and thereby extinguishing all longing for wealth. Otherwise, how could you have such a desire for prayer if your hope were not placed in him? And how could you trust in Him if your trust were placed in those unstable riches?
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
St. Augustine, Why is Prayer not an Optional Thing?
Question 018.
In other words, prayer is not an extra, but is a part of the fulfillment of our nature?
Man is the image of the one whom he is capable of enjoying, and whose partner he can become…man has been created in such an excellent state that even although it is itself mutable, it reaches happiness by cleaving to the unchangeable good; that is, to God. Nor can it satisfy its need unless it is totally happy; and only God suffices to satisfy it.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
While it is true that the […]
The Vigilant Heart: Remote Preparation for Mental Prayer
Reading on a Quiet Afternoon, Carl Holsøe, (Danish, 1863-1935)
Originally Published at TAN Direction
We have all had the experience of being in conversation with someone who is not attentive, looks over our shoulder, glances at his watch, scrolls up and down on his phone, etc. while we speak. Every one of us also knows what it means to speak with someone who is truly listening and grasps even the unspoken things that we’ve communicated.
Quite often this description matches both interlocutors in our prayer life. Our Lord hears all that we say, knows what’s in our heart – even those things we don’t say to Him, and is wholly attentive to our every movement […]
Quinqugesima Sunday- Homily by Fr. Ermatinger
Transcription of Homily
Quinqugesima Sunday
A continuation of the Holy Gospel, according to St. Luke.
At that time, Jesus took unto Him the 12 men and said to them, “Behold we go up to Jerusalem and all things shall be accomplished which were written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man. For He shall be delivered to the Gentiles and shall be mocked and scourged and spit upon. And after they have scourged Him, they will put Him to death, and the third day He shall rise again.”
And they understood none of these things and this word was hidden from them. And they understood not the things that were […]