Parish Lenten Mission 2025 with Fr. Richard Benson

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FIRST NIGHT OF OUR MISSION –FAITH – March 24, 2025 

Our Parish retreat (Mission) began on a powerful note. Approximately 250 people attended, representing a diverse range of ages: children, teenagers, parents, and grandparents. Fr. Benson used different images to describe Faith. He used images like Pancakes with various syrups, nouns, and verbs. He made a distinction between faith as a noun and faith as a verb. Here is a summary of his presentation.

Faith, often viewed as a noun, can be understood as a static belief or a set of convictions. However, when we shift our perspective and see faith as a verb, it transforms into a dynamic and active force that requires engagement, action, and movement. To view faith as a verb is to recognize that it’s not simply something we possess or profess but something we do.

Faith, as a verb, challenges us to live in a way that aligns with what we believe. It’s not enough to say that we believe in God; instead, we must embody that faith through our actions, choices, and responses to life’s challenges. For example, having faith in a better future doesn’t mean passively waiting for things to improve; it means actively working toward creating change, even in the face of uncertainty. It’s the belief that drives us to take risks, to step into the unknown, and to trust that our efforts will lead to progress.

Faith, as a verb, also means resilience in the face of doubt and life’s difficulties. It’s easy to have faith when everything is going well, but genuine faith is tested during times of hardship or confusion. In these moments, faith becomes a practice of continuous commitment to trust in something greater than ourselves, even when we don’t have all the answers. It’s a conscious decision to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear, knowing that each step is an expression of faith in itself. Before Fr. Benson gave his talk, one of our parishioners, Whitney, gave a testimony. She shared how her faith helped her to cope with the Eaton Canyon fire that destroyed her home.

Furthermore, faith as a verb is relational. It’s not only about our belief in abstract concepts or recitation of the Baltimore Catechism but also about our trust in others and God. Faith is something we offer to one another, whether through supporting a friend in need, believing in someone’s potential, volunteering in the parish in any ministry, or working together toward a common goal. This active faith fosters connection, community, and collective strength.

Faith is a gift from God. It is not something we work hard to acquire. Instead, it is a gift from God that we should work hard to preserve and use.

In this light, faith is not a static possession but a living, breathing part of our journey. It calls us to move beyond passive belief into a space of active trust, where we continuously choose to engage with life and others with hope and purpose. As a verb, faith is not just something we have; it’s something we do, shaping our world in every decision, every act, and every moment of our lives.

Day 1 testimony on Faith by Whitney Higgins

Thank you and see you tomorrow!

Fr. Mike Ume

SECOND NIGHT OF OUR MISSION – HOPE -March 25, 2025

AUTHENTIC HOPE: ROOTED IN GOD

The second evening of our Parish Mission (retreat) began with testimony from Ms. Frances Inafuku.  She shared with us her last journey with her lovely husband. Some years ago, her husband was diagnosed with lung cancer, even though he never smoked anything in his life. It came to them as a surprise, as something misdiagnosed. He was given a month to a year to live. She prayed very hard for God to save her husband. Seven months later, God did grant her request but called him home. The miracle she hoped for did not materialize. This incident devasted her. Frances did not lose hope and faith in God. She then learned that hope is not what God can do for her but what she can do for God.

Based on this testimony, Fr. Benson gave a sermon on authentic hope, a theological virtue rooted in God.

While hope can spring from various sources – ambition, circumstance, or even sheer willpower – authentic hope, the kind that genuinely sustains and transcends trials, finds its deepest roots in God. It is a hope born not of fleeting optimism but of unwavering faith in a God whose character is defined by love, justice, and faithfulness. This hope, rooted in the eternal and unchanging, provides a steadfast anchor in the storms of life.

Hope based on worldly foundations is inherently fragile. It fluctuates with the tides of fortune, rising with success and crashing with disappointment. While valuable for self-improvement, hope in oneself can falter in moments of weakness and self-doubt. Authentic hope, however, transcends these limitations. It recognizes that true fulfillment and lasting peace are not found in temporal achievements but in a relationship with God.

Fr. Benson gave examples of inauthentic hope, such as the one found in casinos and stadiums.

Fr. Benson then turns to the relationship between Faith and Hope. Faith provides the foundation, the bedrock belief in something more significant, while hope is the hand that reaches out, grasping for a tangible realization of that faith. At its core, faith is a confident belief in something unseen, often rooted in a higher power. It’s the unwavering conviction that there is a purpose, a meaning, or a force beyond our immediate understanding. Without faith, there is little grounding for hope to take root. It’s the soil from which hope draws its nourishment. Hope, then, becomes the active expression of this faith. It’s the belief that the unseen, the potential, can become a reality. It’s not merely a passive wish or a fleeting fancy but a deliberate anticipation of a positive outcome fueled by the underlying belief system provided by faith. Having faith in a benevolent God, like ours, gives rise to the hope for a brighter future, salvation, or the fulfillment of promises.

It is hope that makes faith a verb. Hope built on faith is the cornerstone of authentic hope. Belief in God’s goodness, sovereignty, and promises provides the bedrock upon which hope can flourish. It is the assurance that even when circumstances seem hopeless when you “never know whom to cling to,” God is still in control, working all things for the good of those who love Him. This faith allows believers to see beyond the present suffering, envisioning a future shaped by divine purpose.

Furthermore, authentic hope is not merely a passive expectation of a better future but an active engagement with God’s will. It inspires prayer, perseverance, and acts of compassion. When rooted in God, hope fuels a desire to align oneself with His values, embody His love in the world, and contribute to building His kingdom. It motivates believers to be agents of change, bringing light to darkness and healing brokenness.

This divine hope also offers a unique perspective on suffering. It acknowledges the reality of pain and loss but reframes them within the context of God’s larger plan. Knowing that suffering can be used for a greater purpose, believers can endure trials with resilience and even find joy amidst adversity. The hope of eternal life, promised by God, provides ultimate comfort in the face of death, transforming it from an ending into a new beginning.

In conclusion, authentic hope, the kind that truly sustains and transforms, is not a self-generated emotion but a gift from God. It is a hope rooted in His character, His promises, and His unwavering love. It is a hope that transcends the world’s limitations, offering a steadfast anchor in the storms of life and inspiring believers to live with purpose, passion, and unwavering faith. It is a hope that allows us to see beyond the present and into the eternal possibilities that await us. This is the kind of hope we offer those who lost their homes or were displaced by the Eaton Canyon Fire. This is the kind of hope we are offering to our parishioners, especially those diagnosed with a terminal disease or who are taking care of a family member with a terminal disease.

Few Takeaways from the evening:

• • Hope Beyond Outcomes: Ms. Inafuku’s story emphasizes that hope is not solely tied to achieving a specific outcome. Even when our prayers aren’t answered in the way we expect, hope can endure. It becomes about living out our faith and serving God’s purposes regardless of the circumstances.
  • Authentic Hope is God-Rooted: Fr. Benson clearly defines authentic hope as rooted in faith in God’s character and promises. This contrasts with the fleeting and often disappointing nature of hope based on worldly success, personal ability, or chance.
  • Faith as Foundation, Hope as Action: The sermon beautifully articulates the relationship between faith and hope. Faith provides the bedrock of belief, while hope is the active expression of that faith. Hope is faith put into motion, inspiring us to live out our beliefs in tangible ways.
  • Suffering and Divine Purpose: Authentic hope reframes suffering within the context of God’s larger plan. It allows believers to endure trials with resilience, knowing that suffering can be used for a greater purpose. The hope of eternal life provides ultimate comfort in the face of death.
  • Hope as a Gift and a Call to Action: Fr. Benson emphasizes that authentic hope is a gift from God. However, it’s not a passive gift. It inspires action, motivating believers to align themselves with God’s values, embody His love, and contribute to the building of His kingdom.
  • Practical Application: The conclusion connects the sermon to the real-world needs of the parish, offering authentic hope to those affected by the Eaton Canyon Fire and those struggling with terminal illness.

Day 2 Testimony on Hope by Frances Inafuku

Thank you for coming!

Fr. Mike Ume

THIRD & LAST NIGHT OF OUR MISSION – PRAYER -March 26, 2025

PRAYER AND PRAYERS

The third and last evening of our Parish Mission began with testimony from Andrea Shillingburg, a member of our Young Adult Ministry. She shared how she arrived in Los Angeles, vulnerable and without any support system. She had no family members or friends on the West Coast. All her family members, friends, and entire support system were on the East Coast. She prayed for protection and a healthy support system. One day, she walked into a quiet Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. She recited her rosary and asked God for one thing: a support system. God answered her Prayer. She became part of the most loving, accepting, and hospitable community, the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary (ABVM) parish community. A community that welcomed her not because she is perfect but because she is a child of God.

Fr. Benson took off from where she stopped. He said that the most important two words in Prayer are” Our Father.” These two words make Prayer both personal and communal.

These two words, “Our Father,” are the opening words of the Lord’s Prayer. “Our Father” is not simply a prayer; it is Our Father in multiple and profound ways. It encapsulates the very essence of our relationship with God, our identity as His children, and the communal nature of faith. It’s a template for Prayer, a declaration of dependence, and a plea for divine intervention, all framed within the familiar and deeply personal address of “Our Father.”

The opening words, “Our Father,” establish a familial connection. It moves us beyond seeing God as a distant, impersonal deity to recognizing Him as a loving, approachable Parent. “Our Father” is a revolutionary concept, suggesting a level of intimacy and access that transcends the formalities of other forms of worship. It invites us to relate to God with the same trust and vulnerability we would offer a loving parent. Using “Our” is also vital, immediately emphasizing that we are not alone in this relationship. We are part of a larger family of believers united in our shared connection to the divine. This sense of “our” inspires me to visit the sick. Here is a personal testimony. One day, I visited three parishioners: one at USC Arcadia, another at Huntington Hospital, and the other at UCLA. A priest friend asked me, “Why didn’t you call on the chaplains of those hospitals to visit those parishioners?” I replied with another question: “If you were married and have a son or daughter, and he/she is hospitalized, would you call on another dad to visit your child instead of you?” I did it because we are children of “Our Father.”

Another point is that “Our Father” expresses dependence and trust in God. By praying, “Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done,” we acknowledge God’s supreme authority and surrender to His plan. We recognize that His purposes are higher than our own and that true fulfillment lies in aligning ourselves with His will. This act of submission is not one of fear or obligation but of love and trust in a Father who knows what is best for His children. It’s akin to a child trusting their parent’s guidance, even when they don’t fully understand its reasoning.

It makes our Prayer communal in nature. The content of the Prayer focuses on “Our Father’s” priorities and concerns. We pray for His name to be honored, His kingdom to be established, and His will to be enacted. “Our Father” shifts the focus from our selfish desires to the larger concerns of the divine. We are invited to participate in God’s work, to be agents of His love and justice in the world. By praying for these things, we are aligning our hearts and minds with His, becoming more attuned to His desires and more effective in serving His purpose.

Finally, the prayer “Our Father” is more than just a set of words; it is a doorway to a deeper relationship with God. It reminds us of our identity as His beloved children, a call to surrender to His will, and an invitation to participate in His kingdom. This Prayer teaches us how to approach God with humility, trust, and a deep awareness of His loving presence in our lives. It embodies the spirit of being children of “Our Father” in heaven.

Next, Fr. Benson focuses on the difference between Prayer and Prayers. The difference between “prayers” and “prayer” is subtle but significant, reflecting a shift in focus from individual acts of supplication to the overall practice and state of being connected to the divine.

For Fr. Benson, “Prayers” is fueled or motivated by obligation. It can be likened to the Babble of the Pharisees. He shared the dialogue he had with his mother. One day, his mother said, “I have been so busy today that I forgot to say my rosary.” Fr. Benson replied, “It is not about reciting the Rosary but about praying.”

In contrast to Prayers, Prayer “is a surge of the heart, a simple look turned toward heaven, a cry of recognition and love embracing both trial and joy” (St Therese of Lisieux).

“Prayer” focuses on an ongoing, continuous state of being connected to God; it is a way of life. It emphasizes the overall relationship with the divine, a constant awareness of God’s presence, and a posture of receptivity and attentiveness. The following statements are examples of Prayer.

• “Her life was a prayer of selfless service to others.” (meaning her actions embodied a constant connection to God’s will)
• “He lived in a state of prayer, always mindful of God’s presence.”
• “Silence can be a powerful form of prayer.” (meaning a deep connection with the divine that surpasses spoken words)

Prayer is characterized by a more holistic and immersive experience, a continuous dialogue with the divine woven into the fabric of daily life. The saints recommend this kind of Prayer to us.

Here are a few Takeaways from the evening:

• • Prayer as Community: Andrea’s testimony emphasizes the importance of community as an answer to Prayer. It highlights the power of belonging to a loving and accepting faith community.
  • “Our Father” as a Revolutionary Concept: Fr. Benson emphasizes the radical intimacy and accessibility implied by addressing God as “Our Father.” It moves beyond a distant, impersonal deity to a loving and approachable Parent.
  • Personal and Communal Prayer: The phrase “Our Father” highlights the dual nature of Prayer – it is both personal, reflecting our individual relationship with God, and communal, connecting us to a larger family of believers.
  • Dependence and Trust: Prayer involves acknowledging God’s authority and surrendering to His will, trusting He knows what is best for us.
  • From Self to Service: Effective Prayer shifts our focus from our selfish desires to the larger concerns of the divine, inviting us to participate in God’s work and become agents of His love and justice.
  • “Prayers” vs. “Prayer”: Fr. Benson distinguishes between rote recitations driven by obligation (“prayers”) and a continuous state of connection with God (“prayer”), advocating for a life of Prayer woven into the fabric of daily life. He advocates for St. Therese’s vision of Prayer.In essence, this session emphasizes that Prayer is not just about asking for things but about cultivating a deeper relationship with God and constantly being aware of His presence. It calls for moving beyond rote recitations to a heartfelt connection that informs our actions and guides us toward service and love within a supportive community.

Day 3 Testimony by Andrea Shillingburg (YAM Ministry)

Thanks for coming.

Fr. Mike Ume