Praedicare: Catholic Homily Podcast · Fr. Matt Nagle

Abel and the Cross

August 31, 2025·10 min·1 clip

Fr. Matt Nagle addresses the Minneapolis church tragedy by connecting it to Abel's blood crying out for vengeance.

The episode begins with Fr. Matt Nagle referencing the tragic event at Annunciation Parish in Minneapolis during an all-school Mass. He connects this to the second reading from Hebrews about the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel. He recounts the story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4, where Abel's sacrifice is accepted by God, leading to Cain's murder of Abel out of anger. Abel's blood is described as crying out to heaven for vengeance, a concept rooted in biblical passages like Isaiah and Revelation. The homily notes that vengeance belongs to God, as stated in Deuteronomy 32, ensuring evil will face justice. It then contrasts this with the blood of Christ, which cries out for mercy and forgiveness, bringing redemption instead of a curse. Fr. Nagle cites Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical to emphasize that grace does not cancel justice, even for repentant sinners. The discussion shifts to the cross, explaining that Jesus' death was a supremely evil act transformed by God into the greater good of salvation. He acknowledges not knowing why God permitted the Minneapolis tragedy but suggests looking at such events through the lens of faith. Two responses to evil are presented: despair at life's randomness or faith in God's ability to bring good out of evil. The homily highlights God's love shown through Jesus' suffering and the connection of the Mass to the cross. It describes the Eucharist as a mystical re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice, allowing believers to unite their prayers and sufferings with his offering. Fr. Nagle encourages listeners to bring their fears and anxieties to the Mass, receiving grace to carry on with faith, hope, and love.

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