The priests of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Tucson assured their parishioners in the weekly bulletin that they continue to pray for them during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We continue to pray for your safety and protection from this virus, healing for those who are sick and infected, peace of mind and holiness for everyone,” Father Arnold Aurillo said in the Aug. 16 edition of the church bulletin.

The importance of prayer was the theme of Aurillo’s Sunday homily. 

“Rejoice always," Aurillo began his talk by quoting St. Paul. "Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

“I am here reminding you of the paramount importance of PRAYER,” he said in emphasis. He then quoted St. John of Damascus’ definition of prayer: “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God.”

“Just as our relationships with friends and family grow and deepen as we spend time together, time interacting with God deepens our relationship with Him,” Aurillo said.

For those who wonder how to pray, Aurillo directed them to Matthew.

“In Matthew 7:7, Jesus shared a simple way to remember the basics of prayer: ask, seek and knock," he said. “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and the door shall be opened to you. As we ask for God’s help, seek His guidance, and knock on the doors He provides, God’s responses draw us closer and involve us in His powerful work." 

An important component of prayer is silent contemplation, which allows us to listen to God’s guidance.

“As we pray, the Holy Spirit guides us in our decisions and discernments, comforts our sorrows, and lavishes His love on us," Aurillo said. "His words are our nourishments and inspiration; His Sacraments are our personal encounter with Him."

Fr. Aurillo turned to the Catholic Catechism for more guidance on prayer.

"Christian Tradition has retained three major expressions of prayer: vocal, meditative and contemplative," he said. "They have one basic trait in common: composure of heart. This vigilance in keeping the Word and dwelling in the presence of God makes these three expressions intense times in the life of prayer.” (CCC 2699)

“No matter where we are or what we’re doing, we always have immediate and unfailing communication with God through prayer," Aurillo said. "It is communication with Him, either in thought or in spoken, sung or even in written words."

He concluded his homily with a plea to the parishioners to turn to prayer in these trying times. 

“Prayer is a magnificent gift from our loving Father and an instant way into His presence, love, and help," Fr. Aurillo said. "So, take the most out of it. Make it a habit. And joyfully embrace it. We need it now more than ever.”