Abel, Patriach (AC)
Abel, the second son of Adam, was killed by his brother Cain who was jealous that God preferred gentle Adam's offering to his own (Genesis 4). Cain's legacy was descendants and the record of brute masculine strength. Abel, however, left far more. Unwittingly, Abel bequeathed a spirit that has proven invaluable in tempering the cruelties of the sons of Cain. He left the conviction that the worth of a sacrifice depends not upon the nature of the offering, but upon the disposition of the offer. Faint faith receives but faint reward, while he who has much gets more. Even Jesus mentions Abel, calling him the first martyr (Matt. 23:35). Abel is invoked in the litany for the dying, and there is a reference to his sacrifice in the Canon of the Mass (Benedictines, Mead).