Aser of Bethlehem in Galilee
Powerful man who became an assassin out of greed for the young widow Myrtha whom he desires for her charm, her youth, and her riches. He accuses the son Abel of the murder of the wealthy Joel and organizes a plot with accomplices: Jacob and Joel's servant. Jesus intervenes just as Abel is about to be stoned and strikes the murderers with immediate leprosy.
Apostolic Journey[edit | edit source]
Repentance gradually takes hold. Abel, the victim, himself comes to evangelize the outcasts, and he even begs Jesus to heal them: "He has an old mother, Lord, an old mother who is dying broken-hearted in town…"[1] he says, speaking of Aser who has taken refuge in the mountain of Jiphthahel.
Jesus goes there."«Lord, our sin does not deserve to be forgiven, but You are the Mercy! Lord Jesus, for the sake of Your Name, save us. You are the Love which can overcome Justice.» «I am the Love. That is true. But above Me is the Father. And He is the Justice [...]»"[2]Their faith and insistence are strong: Aser, who abandons his riches in favor of Joel's orphans, and Joel's servant will be forgiven and healed, but not immediately. He will take refuge in Ptolemais where he will reunite with his mother.
His Name[edit | edit source]
Aser (Ashér) means "Blessed" – Historical: 8th son of Jacob and Zilpha.
Where is he mentioned in the work?[edit | edit source]
GRM 248 GRM 475 GRM 476