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:
"'Abel, they were your Cains, and no one could have hated you more than they did. They wanted to deprive you of everything: of your life, honour and mother…' 'They have been my benefactors, because I had You through them. I love them because of that gift and I ask You to grant them to be where I am, among Your followers. I want their salvation like mine, more than mine, because 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 looks at both of them, He then lays an arm around the neck of each and draws them towards Himself, one on His right, the other on His left hand side and kisses their hair saying: 'You will succeed because you have understood love.'"[7]
"«I thought that You were going to cure them at once» says John again.
«So did I, as You usually do.»
«They were big sinners. This is a fair expectation for those who have sinned so much. Now listen, Ananias…»
«My name is Abel, Lord» says the surprised young man and he looks at Jesus, as if he were asking himself: «Why is He mistaking?»
Jesus smiles and says: «You are Ananias to Me, because you really seem to be born of the kindness of the Lord.»"[8]
Hananya (Ananias) indeed means "God is Grace"
Thus the name Ananias given by Jesus to Abel is justified. It is probably he who, at the time of the persecutions, welcomed and baptized Saul, struck with blindness, at Damascus.[9]
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 325 GRM 333 GRM 344 GRM 346 GRM 347 GRM 348 GRM 349 GRM 350 GRM 352 GRM 354 GRM 376
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.