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, Isn’t This Just “Navel Gazing”?
Question 017.
But isn’t the “going into ourselves” thing narcissistic?
More than an introversion, prayer is a transcendence of oneself. Do not wander outside of yourself, but return into yourself, for within the interior man dwells the truth. And when you discover that you too are mutable, transcend yourself. You transcend a reasoning soul. Therefore, gravitate towards that place where your reason is illuminated… You [God] were more internal than what was intimate in me, and higher than what was highest in me. Christ elevates the soul of the person in whom he dwells, so as to make communion and dialogue possible.
St. Augustine, Where Should I Go to Find God?
Question 016.
Where should I look for God?
It is difficult to find Christ in the crowd. Your mind needs a certain solitude, for it is only by this type of contemplative solitude that God is seen… purify the chamber of your heart. Regardless of where you are, there pray, for he who dwells within, hears you.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
We look for the One who is beyond all things outside of us, but He is not to be found amongst others in the crowd, for He excels both the individual in the crowd and the crowd itself. We might […]
St. Augustine, Might We Have Fulfillment in this Life?
Question 015.
Isn’t it expecting too much to think that anything can truly fill us in this life?
There let us dwell in hope, since we do not yet dwell in reality… And that which was our hope will become our reality, it will be our repose… You move us to delight in praising you; for you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in you.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
Man is finite, yet he carries within him an abyss that only the infinitude of the eternal God can fill. All else that man […]
