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 the Prayer of Petition?
Question 49
What is prayer of petition?
Prayer of petition is born of the awareness of our need. God has every intention of giving, but only to him who asks, so as not to give something to one who would refuse to take it.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger
For a moment, let the image of the door in scripture be pondered. From Revelation 3:20, there is the image of Jesus knocking upon a door of the individual’s house. From Luke 11:9-10 the image is of the individual knocking upon the door of the Lord’s house. In as much as the action of knocking is […]
St. Augustine, Who Should Pray For Mercy?
Question 48
Who should pray for mercy?
The righteous also should pray to obtain the remission of sins. The saint can pray only because God has forgiven him his sins. Therefore, if we would only recognize our sins, we would find their remedy in prayer.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger
Everyone.
– PPP
Old Mirror, Adrian Sinescu, 2016
St. Augustine, What is God’s Greatest Mercy?
Question 47c
Is God merciful to all who call upon Him?
If [God] gives such [good things] to sinners what must he have reserved for his faithful ones? No, no the earth, [nor heaven]… he gives himself who made heaven…He gives Himself who made heaven. Heaven is beautiful, but even more beautiful is its Maker… In the Eucharist, says St. Augustine, the most perfect sacrifice and the most perfect prayer of reparation are offered by Christ, who prays for us, prays in us, and is prayed to by us… In the sacrament […]
St. Augustine, How Do I Get God To Be Merciful To Me?
Question 47b
Is God merciful to all who call upon Him?
The scepter of justice is the scepter of the kingdom… It is necessary that for every injustice, great or small, punishment follows – either by the man himself who repents, or by God who distributes justice. Further, he who repents is already punishing himself. Therefore let us punish our own sins if we want to obtain God’s mercy.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger
It is unfortunately common in the present age to find mercy and justice as opposed to each other. At the heart of this is a variant of […]