Is It Possible That Your Sacrifices Aren't Working Out That Way?

In the story, abel sacrifices work and everything he touches turns to sheep and camels and women. But can isn't doing so well; nothing he sacrifices appears to have the proper effect. And there is some idea in the story that maybe the sacrifices he makes are a little bit on the half hearted side,. That god isn't all that thrilled at those sacrifices as a consequence. It's worth thinking about again for about fifty years....