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 Does it Mean to Pray is Secret?
Question 011.
If God is transcendent and immanent, why are we enjoined to go into our private room and, with the door shut, pray to our Father who is in a secret place?
…pour out your prayer where God alone sees, he who repays all…if you know what ‘your private room’ is and clean it, then pray to God there….If men are to reward you, pour out your prayer before men. If God is to reward you, pour out your prayer before him; and close the door, lest the tempter enter.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
The dichotomy of prayer is such […]
St. Augustine, How is God Both Internal and External to Myself?
Question 010.
So our prayer is a search for a transcendent yet immanent God?
Without interruption or occupying space, with his immutable and exalted power, God is the most interior of all things, because all things exist in him. Further, he is the most external thing, because he is above them all. Thus… with his immutable eternity he is the oldest of all things and the first of all things; he is the newest, because he comes after them all.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
It might seem paradoxical to say that God is the first and the last; the beginning and […]
St. Augustine, How May I Know this Light?
Question 009
What do I need to discover this Light?
Love. He who knows the truth, knows what the light is; and he who knows it knows eternity. Love knows it. O Truth eternal and true love and beloved eternity, you are my God, for you I long night and day.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger.
Charity is that which configures the human soul to perceive the divine light, that by which the soul grows and conforms itself to the divine light, and that by which the soul is united with the divine light and participates in its nature. When […]
5th Sunday After Epiphany – Homily by Fr. Ermatinger
Transcription of Homily
5th Sunday After Epiphany
Wheat Field with Cornflowers, Van Gogh, 1890.
Translation of the Epistle for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany.
Brethren, put ye on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another; even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so do you also. But above all these things, have charity, which is the bond of perfection: and let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, when also you are called in one body and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell […]