Abel of Bethlehem in Galilee, called Ananias
Resident of Bethlehem of Galilee, he bears the prophetic name Abel, victim of Cain. He is the only son of Myrta (Mirta), a young widow, coveted by Aser, a compatriot, but to no avail. Out of spite, Aser involves the 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 teenager is to be stoned. Jesus saves him just in time and strikes the three murderers with immediate leprosy.[1]
Counted among the seventy-two disciples sent "two by two"[2], he is entrusted with the care of Aurea, a young slave Gaul whom Jesus has snatched from the lust of her master, a Roman lustful man.
He is found busy organizing the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem for Palm Sunday.[3]
Character and appearance
A young man pure, already on the way to a high spirituality.[4] This is revealed when he asks Jesus for the healing of his former accusers who have become lepers:Jesus reminds him: "Abel, they were your Cains and they hated you as much as one can hate. They wanted to take everything from you: life, honor, and your mother..." Abel answers him: "They were my benefactors, since it is thanks to them that I have you, You. I love them for the gift they gave me, and I ask that they be where I am: following you. I want their salvation as much as mine, more than mine, for greater is their sin".[5]Jesus will heal them, but not immediately.
Apostolic journey
It is quite naturally that he is counted by Jesus among the "future priests" who will go "far to evangelize."[6]
A surprising dialogue with Jesus places Abel on the same level as the apostle John and reveals his future:"Jesus puts an arm around both their necks and draws them to Him, one to the right, the other to the left, and he places a kiss on their hair saying: ‘You will succeed because you have understood love.’ …Hananya (Ananias) indeed means "God is Grace".- ‘I thought you were going to heal (the lepers) immediately,’ says John.
- ‘So did I, as you always do,’ says Abel.
- ‘They were great sinners. This waiting is just for those who have sinned so much. Now listen, Ananias...’
- ‘My name is Abel, Lord,’ says the young man, surprised, and he looks at Jesus as if wondering: ‘Why is he mistaken?’
- Jesus smiles: ‘For Me, you are Ananias, because you truly seem born of the goodness of the Lord. Be it more and more and listen…’’[7]
Thus is justified the name Ananias given by Jesus to Abel. He is probably the one who, at the time of the persecutions, welcomes Saul, struck blind, in Damascus and baptizes him.[8]
His name
Abel means "breath", but also "son" – Historical figures: Abel, youngest son of Adam and Eve, shepherd killed by Cain his jealous brother.
Where is he mentioned in the work?
EMV 248 EMV 279 EMV 282EMV 325 EMV 333 EMV 344 EMV 346 EMV 347 EMV 348 EMV 349 EMV 350 EMV 352 EMV 354 EMV 376
EMV 427 EMV 428 EMV 440 EMV 441 EMV 466 EMV 475 EMV 476
EMV 535 EMV 590
Learn more about this character
According to Eastern tradition, Ananias (Hananya) was one of the seventy-two disciples. He became bishop of Damascus whom he evangelized.
Ananias is said to have died stoned at Eleutheropolis (Beit Guvrin) around 72. He is celebrated by the Church on January 25.
His relics are preserved in Rome, in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.