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 August,
Padre Pio Press Cordially Invites Its Readership to Join in Saying:
Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
St. Augustine, What Is It to Shut the Door?
Question 012.
But what does it mean to “shut the door”?
… to be alone with God in the sanctuary of the human heart, certain preparatory steps must be taken to ensure an authentic encounter with him. Cast out of your heart all sordid desires… greed… superstitions, blasphemies, and evil thoughts. Throw away your resentment – not only those you harbor towards your friends but those for your enemy, too. Take away all those things then enter into your heart, and there you will find joy. .. Enter, purifying everything, lift your eyes to the Lord, and he will hear you.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions […]
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 […]