Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

"We are but bamboo flutes…through which flow the Divine Music. The flute has to be silent so that the music may flow…" - Fr. Carlos H.(Abe) Abesamis

RECENTLY, Marilen lost her brother, Fr. Carlos Abesamis, who I believed was a special person, even if I had not met him.

Imagine preparing a 313-page scrapbook, about what folks feel about you and having it printed in book form. Imagine loving Fr. Abe and you find yourself venturing beyond your own fears to write an essay about him (your first), or a poem (your first try), or even a reflection (a first from his yaya who took care of Fr. Abe and his siblings -- her wisdom recited in Tagalog and written as part of the book.)

It was unlike anything I have ever seen, even for people who are so loved by their families. It was a permanent record of folks’ adulation and abiding love. But more than that, it is people’s account of Fr. Abe’s enduring influence, through his theological principles, about the Third Look of Jesus to priests of all denominations -- protestant ministers, nuns of diverse religious orders, countless students, colleages, family, and friends around the world.

Fr. Abe even influenced Tony Meloto, founder of Gawad Kalinga and author of Builder of Dreams. On page 128 of Meloto’s book, he quotes Fr. Abesamis on Christ’s mission: " I have come to call not those who call themselves righteous but those whom they call sinners. I, the physician, extend my Kingdom call and life-blessings not to self-appointed saints but to the broken members of our human community – the tax collectors, thieves and prostitutes. I dare to replace tax collectors with politicians as reflective of our present reality. Forgiveness of sins in the pre-crucifixion stage of Jesus’ life was part of his mission. But it is incorrect to think that ‘sin and forgiveness ‘ is the adequate and complete resume of Jesus’ mission. Rather, health for the sick, life for the dead, liberation for the poor and similar blessings are also integral to the mission."

What entails having "A Third Look at Jesus?"

"I will bless you and you will be a blessing to others."(Genesis 12)

"Give your life away and you’ll find your life given back. But not merely given back, given back with bonus and blessing." (Luke 6)

When I first looked at these two verses with a strict perspective, I perceived it to suggest that a person of faith will be blessed, provided that one stays anchored to God and his life’s purpose be from God.

It may be quite ritualistic, but a first look at Jesus persuades you to simply stay connected to him, and to consider sharing yourself with others. A regular church-going person, who sometimes give alms and even some good-natured deeds from time to time, satisfies what he/she believes is a first look at the Word of God.

The second look is the way the Bible is interpreted by church institutions and their representatives. Fr. John Era, CM, a Vincentian Priest from the Philippines who is taking his Masters Degree in Illinois, spoke of how we are exporters of cultural values to the next generation when he celebrated a simbang gabi mass on December 17.