Abel of Bethlehem in Galilee, called Ananias
A resident of Bethlehem in Galilee, he bears the prophetic name of Abel, victim of Cain. He is the only son of Myrtha (Mirta), a young widow, coveted by Aser, a countryman, but to no avail. In spite, Aser thus involves young Abel in the murder of Joel, a wealthy man, which he commits with accomplices (Aser, Jacob and Joel's servant).
Based on their false testimonies, the tall adolescent is about to be stoned. Jesus narrowly saves him and strikes the three murderers with immediate leprosy.[1]
Counted among the seventy-two Disciples sent "two by two"[2], he is given charge of Aurea, a young slave Gaulish woman snatched by Jesus from the lust of her master, a Roman licentious man.
He is found busy organizing the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem for Palm Sunday.[3]
Character and Appearance[edit | edit source]
A young man pure, already on the path to high spirituality.[4] This is revealed when he asks Jesus for the healing of his former accusers who have become leprous:Jesus tells him: "Abel, they were your Cains and they hated you as much as one could. They wanted to take everything from you: your life, your honor and your mother... Abel replies: "They have been my benefactors, since it is thanks to them that I have had You, You. I love them for the gift they gave me, and I ask You that they be where I am: following You. I want their salvation as much as mine, more than mine, for their sin is greater."[5]Jesus will heal them, but not immediately.
Apostolic Journey[edit | edit source]
It is only natural that he is counted by Jesus among the "future priests" who will go "far to evangelize."[6]
A surprising dialogue with Jesus puts Abel on the same level as the apostle John and unveils his future:"Jesus puts an arm around the neck of the two and draws them to Him, one on the right, the other on the left, and places a Kiss on their hair saying: “You will make it because you have understood love.” …Hananya (Ananias) indeed means "God is Grace"- “I thought you were going to heal (the lepers) right away” said John.
- “Me too, as you always do” said Abel
- “They were great sinners. This waiting is just for those who have so much sin. Now listen, Ananias…”
- “My name is Abel, Lord,” said the young man surprised and he looks at Jesus as if wondering: “Why is he mistaken?”
- Jesus smiles: “To Me, you are Ananias, for truly you seem to be born from the goodness of the Lord. Be more and more so, and listen…”[7]
Thus the name Ananias given by Jesus to Abel is justified. It is probably he who, at the time of the persecutions, baptized Homele Saul, struck with Blindness, at Damascus.[8]
His Name[edit | edit source]
Abel means "breath", but also "son" - Historical figures: Abel, youngest son of Adam and Eve, shepherd killed by his jealous brother Cain
Where is he mentioned in the work?[edit | edit source]
GRM 248 GRM 279 GRM 282GRM 325 GRM 333 GRM 344 GRM 346 GRM 347 GRM 348 GRM 349 GRM 350 GRM 352 GRM 354 GRM 376
GRM 427 GRM 428 GRM 440 GRM 441 GRM 466 GRM 475 GRM 476
GRM 535 GRM 590
Learn More About This Character[edit | edit source]
According to Eastern tradition, Ananias (Hananya) was one of the seventy-two Disciples. He became bishop of Damascus which he evangelized.
Ananias would have died stoned at Eleutheropolis (Beit Guvrin) around 72 AD. He is celebrated by the Church on January 25th.
His Relics are kept in Rome, in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
Notes and references[edit | edit source]
Note: Quotations from the work of Maria Valtorta on this page currently use machine-translated text and will gradually be replaced by the official English translation. Until then, the official translation may be consulted through the reference link provided with each quotation.