Diana and the Martyrs of Rome
Part I
Now, this was a time in Rome when democracy was declining. The old Roman way of a republic was practically nonexistent. The emperor, believing himself to be divine, took control of the entire Empire. However, faith in the emperor’s abilities was quickly vanishing. Cosmos and his family struggled to be faithful to both Rome and the emperor. It grew increasingly hard. The old Rome, a symbol of freedom, justice, and power was seemingly no more. The emperor sought all for himself and no longer provided for the people, even being thought insane. Perhaps the emperor was insane, but patriots such as Cosmos would not let go of their loyalty towards what was a dead reality. Thus, Rome was in chaos. Torn between loyalty and duty towards empire and insane ruler, there was much bitterness in Rome.
At this time, Cosmos’ eldest child, Diana, was rising into society, just now at a marriageable age. She was very beautiful with tanned Mediterranean skin and dark, curly Roman hair. Diana sang and played the harp wonderfully. She also danced. Cosmos was very proud of his daughter and took every opportunity to boast of her accomplishments.
One day, she was invited to a private party hosted by a close friend of her father’s named Calixtus. Calixtus was partially Cosmos’ benefactor. He and his wife took a fancy to Diana. They found Diana most agreeable to speak with at the party. She would laugh and make jokes with all the guests and every person wanted to be with her. When Diana was sitting near Calixtus he asked her what she thought of a certain slave who had been serving her.
She replied, “Well, sir, I think that I like him very much, at least as a servant.”
Calixtus chuckled, “Well, I’m glad that you do, because I wanted to find someone of the same opinion. You know why I asked?”
“Because, perhaps, you wanted a young woman’s opinion?”
“No.”
“Because you were unsure of your own opinion and needed the reassurance of another?”
“Still no.”
“Wait, I know! Because you placed a bet on him. Am I right?”
“No, wrong again. I don’t think that you’ll guess it.”
“Then please don’t keep me in suspense!” she laughed.
“He belongs to that new cult that follows some Galilean…“The Christ”…I believe they call him. I’ve been unsure about them. Some say that they will divide the Empire. Honestly, I’m not convinced. So, I tried one out. I bought a “Christian” slave on purpose, to see how hard they work. To my surprise, he works most diligently.”
“That is very interesting. I‘ve heard of this cult before. Father thinks they are dangerous.”
“And so I suspected, but I have no proof in this man.”
Just then, they were interrupted by other guests. Diana spent a few minutes watching the slave and recalling all her information about Christians. He went about serving all the guests with a smile and his head held high. He was friendly and talked to whomever would acknowledge him. He performed his tasks quickly, efficiently, and completely. He was an ideal servant.
Puzzled and curious, Diana decided that her father would not mind if she spoke to the slave. Mischievously, she fully intended to tease and insult him. Moving to a less crowded corner of the room, she motioned for him to assist her. When he reached her, she bade him sit. However, he stood rather undecided.
He said, “It is not permitted for slaves to sit beside their superiors.”
“Perhaps not,” she replied with a smirk, “But I wish to interrogate you and I am sure that your master would not object to that and I am sure that it hurts my neck to look up at you. Besides, you admitted yourself that you are a slave and that definition alone allows me to order you.”
“Then it seems that I must comply,” he retorted. With a returning smirk, he laid his tall, muscular body out some feet away from her with his back on a cushion and sarcastically threw his legs onto a nearby table. “What conversation does milady require?”
“You don’t overdo it, do you?”
“In my religion, we are required only to do good. As such, everything we do is to the full.”
“How magnificent that you cut to the point: religion. How is it that you can believe in a holy man born in a lowly town in Palestine?”
“I don’t believe in a man because of where he was born, but I believe in the truth He Is and speaks.”
“How do you know it is truth?”
“He proved it by His miracles.”
“Only the gods can perform miracles.”
“And He is God. ‘Before Abraham ever was, I Am.’”
“Hebrew traditions mean nothing to me.”
“He was speaking to the Hebrews, yes, but the message was the same. When Moses asked God what the people should call Him, He said, ‘I Am Who Am’. Thus, He is God.”
“I know nothing of Moses. The Hebrew God is not a Roman god. The Hebrews may worship whom they please, but I am faithful to Rome.”
“The Roman gods are not faithful to Rome. What have they ever done for you?”
“Religion is emotion. One must have faith in something. I have faith in Rome. Rome is Nero and Nero is divine. Therefore, I worship the Roman gods.”
“How do you know Nero is divine?”
“I have faith in him.”
“In other words, you can use an attack on me which I cannot return to you.”
“That is the lot of a slave,” she added with a side glance towards his face, finding it calm but rather flushed.
“You can have faith in what you believe without proof, but I must have it with proof. Is this just? For I thought Rome was the symbol of justice.”
There was an awkward pause before Diana could think of a retort, causing the slave to smile. She felt the joke, though, and smiled back. “Let us review another aspect of your cult.”
“My religion is not a cult. Is that not obvious by my ethnicity?”
Refusing to answer, Diana continued, “You believe in a religion founded by a dead man. Why?”
“Was not Rome founded by Julius Caesar? And what was he, but mortal?”
“Rome was founded before that.”
“And those men did not die?”
“Not on a cross!” Diana was becoming angry.
“Yes, but did those men rise from the dead?”
“That is absurd! Of course they did not. Men are men. All men die.”
“Then why shouldn’t I believe in a religion that was founded by a dead man?”
“You are insulting me!”
“Indeed not, milady. I only mean to not be backed into another trap by you.”
“Then there is no use in us continuing this conversation. You may leave!”
“Yes, milady.” And, rising on his lengthy legs, he stood erect and looked down at her saying, “And, milady, my God is living, not dead.”
Diana was irritable all the rest of that evening. She was extremely mad at the slave while at the same time there was something about him she liked. However much she tried, she could not take her eyes off him. She studied, over and over, the brown eyes, black hair, long legs, strong shoulders, and welcoming smile. She had never seen such fortitude in a slave before, especially in one who believed in such an unpopular religion. What was it about this Christian?
Part II
Terror swept through Rome. For, the city had been burned! Many people were killed. Chaos reigned in the hearts of those who saw the horrific results of the fire. No one knew who did it. Well, maybe one knew.
Now, at this time, Cosmos and his family were vacationing on the Italian coast. They had opportunely left the city five days before the fire. The news traveled fast. But before it reached them, Cosmos and his family spent an enjoyable vacation with Calixtus and his wife. The two families rented adjacent apartments and dined together at nearly every meal. Each family brought a few of their slaves including Calixtus’ Christian.
Only being a month since their first meeting at the party, the Christian and his conversation were fresh on Diana’s mind. She wanted to have revenge on his obstinacy by snubbing him. This she accomplished well. However, it only made her more fidgety because it did not seem to affect him. She would continually watch him in his simple tasks of waiting on them at table, opening doors, cleaning the floors, etc. He would always wear a smile.
One evening, both couples and Diana were lounging on a portico where they had a view of the Sea. The slave went from person to person serving wine. Diana looked longingly at the water in front of her and watched the surf gliding up and down and up and down. When he reached her, without looking up, she asked, “What did Christ say about the sea?”
“Milady?” he looked questioningly, but kindly at her.
“He was a fisherman, wasn’t he?”
“Uh – no, milady. He was a carpenter’s son. Peter, His apostle, was a fisherman before he followed Christ. Why do you ask?”
“Simply curiosity,” she said, throwing away her seriousness and casually taking more wine.
Lingering, he added, for he was curious too, “The Sea does represent the majesty of God. No man can copy its genius.” He looked down at her, expecting a sharp retort, but she had closed her eyes. So, he turned to leave.
“Don’t go just yet,” she said, yet her eyes remained closed. “But – tell me – can a Christian fight?”
“Fight, milady?”
“Yes. Would you, as a Christian, fight the Romans?”
“I don’t think that there would be an occasion-”
“That’s not the point!” She now sat straight, looking into his face.
He said, “Resistance to the empire would be futile.”
“Then is that why you perform your duties without question?”
“No. Christ said, ‘render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s; render unto God what is God’s.’ I have a duty to my earthly master, Calixtus, and to my heavenly master, God.”
“As well as to Nero?”
“Yes. Nero is the head of the empire. But, I cannot worship him. Divinity is not in Nero’s possession.”
“How do you know that Nero is not divine?”
“No man can assume divinity when he assumes a post.”
“Ha!” She exclaimed with a burst of sudden energy, causing a curious glance from Cosmos as well as the slave. “Jesus was a man! You admitted it yourself when you said that He was a carpenter’s son. Now, answer me, how can Christ be divine if He was a carpenter and then ‘assumed’ His role as savior?”
Undaunted, he replied in all seriousness and kindness. “Excuse me, milady, I’ll try to explain. Jesus was begotten as Human while He had always been a living Person of the Trinity. God is a Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God the Holy Spirit conceived God the Son in Mary’s womb. Thus, the Son was made flesh. The carpenter, Joseph, was the spouse of Mary, but not the father of Christ. The Hebrews consider Christ the Son of Joseph because of tradition. However, He is not Joseph’s blood Son, but the Son of God.
“Whereas,” he continued, “Nero did not even consider himself a god when he was a boy. Only when he ‘assumed’ the throne, did Nero believe himself to be divine. In this way, Nero cannot be divine. He has only fooled himself and his followers. Does milady now understand?”
Looking out to Sea, she sat calm, but rather sad. “I now understand that your religion is founded on the blind faith that you have accused me of. Thus, it amazes me that you have such fortitude.”
A little embarrassed, he replied, “I have strong faith, perhaps, but not blind, milady. I have seen the miracles He has wrought. Not only physically, but mentally as well. He has cured the hearts of those around Him, plagued with sorrow. I have seen his disciples and their descendants. Christianity is alive so vibrantly in the hearts of the people, it is like nothing before.” As he spoke, he grew more and more animated.
She stared at him, as he watched the Sea. And, when he finished, he turned toward her with his eyes on fire with zeal for his Faith. She asked, with a new gentleness of tone, “Why can I not find a retort?”
“How can one who loves the truth fight it?”
With humility, kindness, and admiration, Diana asked, “What is your name, slave?”
“Justin, Milady.”
Without their notice, Cosmos his wife had risen to take their leave. He called for Diana to follow. As they bid goodnight to Calixtus and his wife, a shock struck them hard. A servant, soaked with sweat and gasping for breath burst through the open door and fell at Calixtus’ feet! His clothes were black and his shoes worn. Black suit mixed with sweat ran down his face and shoulders, revealing several bruises on his arms and legs. Stunned with shock, no one moved, except Justin, who recognized his fellow slave and ran to support him and nourish him with wine.
After a moment’s length, Calixtus gathered his wits and ordered that the slave be laid on a bench to regain his strength. Not willing to rest, the slave refused to lie back and kept struggling to speak. “Rome…It-it was…horrible! Burning…running…the smoke!”
Cosmos spoke first, “Hush, man! Regain your strength so to tell us audibly.”
The man seemed reconciled to the order and stopped to catch his breath. Calixtus’ wife, herself, cooled his hot forehead with a wet towel. He tried again to speak, but still with heavy breaths in betwixt. “Master, there is…much suffering…in Rome. Someone has done…an unforgivable deed.”
Forcing himself to be calm, Calixtus asked, “What deed, my faithful servant?”
“Rome…is burned!”
Cosmos, whose one reaction was of anger, charged the slave, “Tell us!”
“We were doing our duties about the household…when, suddenly, shrieks came from outside. When we all ran…to see what was amiss…we saw the smoke, first distant…and then like a giant thundercloud…approaching closer and closer. Day became night…with the black smoke smothering the people. I could not see straight…and my only thought was to escape. So, I ran and ran through crowds…thick with bodies, all with the same goal as I… I did not stop for anything. I ran…the entire way. I had to reach you, master! I feared…that you would return too soon.” He sat straight with his cries of passion with horrific memories still fresh in his mind.
Calixtus sank into a chair with his shoulders sloped as if he was laden with a heavy burden. He held his head as if it ached and then faced his injured slave with a bitter depression that was marked with admiration. “My good and faithful servant…” But he could not finish his sentence, as he was choked with emotion.
Justin looked at Diana, who met his glance. He said, only half out loud, “Who could do such evil?”
Part III
All of Rome was in chaos. The beloved city was now no more than a heap of charred rubble. The fire had destroyed so much and killed so many that no one was without loss. The people were devastated. They desperately turned to the emperor with countless pleas of terror. Everyone thirsted for revenge on the one who was responsible. But, who was responsible?
That was the question that Cosmos constantly asked himself. He and Calixtus brought their households from the shore to Rome. The city was a disaster and people laid in the streets begging, praying, or just existing. Cosmos did not know to what extent the damage had been to his property, so he arranged for his family to remain outside the city in a small lodging house. Calixtus’ wife came to stay with Cosmos’ family while her husband surveyed their damage.
Cosmos’ home and goods had been completely destroyed and he had lost many servants. His prospects were not too bleak as the majority of his products came from the countryside. Though, he had no home and no stock and no hope for the near future. Calixtus had been more fortunate; a portion of his goods had been saved. His storehouse was destroyed, but his home was only damaged. It was recoverable, but in no shape to house his family.
Thus was the situation when Diana, her mother, two brothers, and the wife of Calixtus lived in the lodging house. The house was barely big enough for the two families and the owners. One night, not long after their return to Rome, just as the sunlight was fading away, there came a loud bang on the door. It sounded as though something or someone had fallen heavily on to it. Everyone in the house shuddered with fear. There was no way of knowing what danger could lie beyond, with all the horrors of late.
The sound came again, though fainter. Diana awakened from her fear and was the only one brave enough to approach the door. She spoke to the something beyond the door with a shaky voice, “Who seeks lodging in our shelter?”
There was a pause, and then came the reply. In a weak voice, the stranger answered, “In the name of my master, Calixtus, and in the Mercy of God, shut not your door from me!”
At the name of Calixtus, Diana quickly began to undo the bolt. Her mother came to help and they opened the door. The two women stood speechless at the sight. Diana uttered the word, “Justin,” though no sound came forth.
He said, “Thank God I have reached you…” And, his voiced trailed off as he fell, weak, dirty, bruised, and bloody.
For hours, Diana waited by the slave’s side, tending his wounds. He had a fever and rolled about in his sleep. She cooled his head with a damp towel. Then, he quieted and laid still. She anxiously watched his face for a sign of new life. In the middle of the night, he opened his eyes and looked up at her. He looked at her as if he were far away.
He began to speak, “You – your beauty…it is radiant.”
She was puzzled and leaned closer. “What?” she asked simply.
He continued as if he were growing more and more distant, “You must be the angel coming to take me to the Heavenly Kingdom…”
At that, Diana started and anxiously said, “No, Justin, no!” He then had a confused, almost hurt look on his face. She desperately searched for words when she remembered what could convince this delirious form. She said, “God still has need of you on Earth. You must fight, Justin. Rest now so you can fulfill your duty to God.”
He obediently closed his eyes and slept. It was late in the next day when he awoke again. They were all greatly relieved when he took some wine and broth. He looked much better than the night before and his bruised body was healing quickly, though he was still very weak. He started to speak when Diana’s mother made him sit back and rest.
The next morning he awoke when Diana stirred him. “Here,” she said, “Take some wine to cool your nerves.” She started to serve him, when he surprised her by sitting up. He ate some bread as well before sitting back. He looked gratefully at Diana.
He said, “I owe my life to you, I am sure. Though, I am shocked at such good care, especially administered to a slave who is not your own.”
“Yes,” she replied with a smile, “I am rather surprised myself. But, you don’t think I’d let one of my father’s benefactor’s slaves slip through my fingers, do you?”
Calixtus’ wife brought over a chair and asked Justin, “What happened to you, my faithful slave?”
Everyone gathered around since they all wanted to learn of his plight. He was rather embarrassed at the attention, but he began his story. “I was with my master, Calixtus, when he gave me an errand. I was to go to the edge of the city, what remained of the city, that is, and discover the state of two fellow merchants. I was almost to my destination when I came upon a group of about five men. I could tell that they were in a heated dispute, so I determined to go around. As I turned, one of them noticed me. He ordered me to come towards them. I wanted to avoid violence, so I complied. Suddenly I was brutally pulled into the circle of men.
“I couldn’t understand them; the world was flying round and round and pain shot everywhere through my body. For some reason they suddenly stopped their attacks, leaving me lying in the dirt. One of the said, ‘Trying to run away, slave? I know you heard us, you Christian filth. Had to turn the other cheek, didn’t you? I’m surprised that you didn’t already burn it in your own fire!’ I then understood; they thought that Christians had started the fire. I managed to deny the accusation before they continued beating me.
“However, this time I fought back. It must have been the grace of God, for I escaped from them. I didn’t look back, but just kept running, at first aimlessly, but then I remembered this house. I don’t remember how I got here; I was too blinded by pain. But, I do remember the sight of your faces, and I saw, not them, but angels.”
Diana looked searchingly at him, “Who could do such a horrible thing?”
Justin looked surprised at her and then smiled, “My beating was worth the pain if it means I have gained your sympathy for the Followers of Christ.”
Her face reddened, but she did not deny the truth of his comment. She only said, “who would start such a horrible tale?”
Part IV
The streets of Rome were still running with cries of blood. Violence had vastly increased and there was no order. There was no law except for the Praetorian Guard, whose duty it was to protect the person of the Emperor. Therefore, chaos remained in the broken city that was once the glory of Rome, and why? Why was the city that had stood for hundreds of years burned to the ground? That was the question that all Romans wanted to be answered.
Despite the danger, Diana moved about with her father to try to rebuild their stock and home. Calixtus sent Justin to Diana, as Cosmos had very few slaves. The slave protected her from the madness of the city. They carried salvage from place to place, trying to find items that they could still use in the wreckage of their property.
One day, as they passed the Roman Colonnade where Nero could be seen at a distance during imperial audiences, they saw a great crowd of raging people. Justin and Diana tried to get around and out of the crowd, but as a great mass, the people carried the two along with them, closer to the Royal Balcony. The people were yelling and screaming mostly threats in their desperation.
Justin and Diana could see Nero step out onto the balcony overlooking the colonnade. His arms stretched high and suddenly the crowd was silent. They could feel each others’ anticipation of the words of the emperor. As a stunned wild beast, all was still, so Nero’s voice was heard clearly.
He said, “Citizens of Rome! I hear ye. Tirelessly, I have worked to discover the identity of our great enemies. The great enemies that have put fire to the city of Rome. As I have promised to discover the people who are responsible, I promise to bring them to justice. We will rebuild Rome! We will make it better than before! And as a testament of this, I shall kill everyone responsible for this catastrophe; I shall kill every member of the sect of Christians!”
Cries and cheers resounded in the colonnade and the chaos resumed. This time the people were more violent, as each had a different destination. Diana and Justin were beaten and bruised in the fight, finding it difficult merely to stand. Eventually, Justin grasped Diana’s hand and cut through the crowd. He reached a narrow alley and pulled Diana into it. They stayed there until the crowd finally dispersed.
Meanwhile, Diana said, “I don’t understand. How can it be true?”
“It isn’t true,” Justin replied, “Someone who hates Christians must have convinced the emperor. Nero is weak and easily swayed. Come now, I must get you to my master’s house; it will be the safest place.”
But, before they could reach Calixtus’ home, a second crowd blocked their way. An angry mob, just like the first, crowded the street with fierce yells of hatred. Involuntarily, Diana and Justin were forced to the fray. Diana could not distinguish what was going on, but Justin saw through the mass of people and suddenly grew white. The people were armed with stones and stood over a Christian slave.
As the men shouted insults, the slave replied, “In the name of God and Rome I promise you that the allegation is false! The Christians did not start the deadly fire.”
“Then who did?” asked one man.
The slave responded, “I saw who started the fire. It was the Praetorian Guard.” He paused to moan as the first stone hit him on his back. “It was Nero himself who ordered that Rome be burned to the ground. The Christians were blamed to satisfy the blood cry of the Romans.”
More stones were flung at him and the people condemned him for accusing the emperor. The Christian muttered prayers to God as violent curses resounded around him. Justin grabbed Diana’s hand again and forced their way out of the crowd. But, before they were out of earshot, they heard the sound of the fateful stone that silenced the Christian and brought him into the Eternal Kingdom.
The rest of the journey to Calixtus’ house was eerily quiet. When they arrived, Diana’s eyes were flowing with tears. She sat down upon the cold steps of the ruined courtyard, dirty with dust and sweat. She said, “How can you stand it, Justin? Your people are being murdered in the streets.”
“It is as it was expected,” Justin replied. He sat down beside her and offered her wine to calm her. “Christ said, ‘Blessed are they who are persecuted for My sake.’ He told us that this day would come.”
“But, you too will be killed,” she cried. “Surely a belief is not worth your death.”
Justin smiled down at her and said, “It was worth My Lord’s life to gain salvation for all. Surely it is worth my death for Him. Besides, if a belief is not worth dying for, why trust in it?”
Diana refused to give up. She grasped his arm and wept, “You must give it up, Justin! I can’t see you die.” But, he smiled even more and simply shook his head.
Diana looked down at the floor. Silently she sat pondering, listening for an answer. They had been seated for a little while when she suddenly brushed away her tears, looked up at him, and said, "Then I must come with you. If there is so much faith and love in God, then I must have a share in it. There is nothing more for me, but to sacrifice my life with you."
Part V
The glory of Rome that had once stood against countless adversaries was no more. Justice was nonexistent. The heart of the beloved city was destroyed - destroyed by its own protector. Cosmos’ family moved into the home of Calixtus, which was then almost fully repaired. Cosmos tried his best to rebuild the culture of the old Rome he loved, though he was never the same after the fateful incident. The streets crawled with soldiers and hundreds of Christians were captured daily. Those who were Roman citizens were executed as criminals. But, the slaves, any foreigners, and members of the lower class were kept for the coliseums. The people lived in constant fear since Romans’ thirst for blood often led to the deaths of non-Christians as well.
Calixtus kept his doors locked at all times and was the only one, save Cosmos and some servants, who ever stirred outdoors. Diana occupied herself with helping the servants, especially Justin, whose company she invited. There was much work still to be done to repair the remaining damage to the house. At this time, she asked many questions about Jesus and His miracles. It was a blessed time for them until, one day, there came the inevitable.
Justin and Diana were on their hands and knees scrubbing the floor with rags to remove a thick layer of soot. Diana said, “Surely Jesus did not found His Church only to let it die out. Maybe…” she looked hopefully at the boy beside her, “Maybe you are meant to hide and live to spread the Faith.” But, he did not answer or look at her. He only dropped his shoulders as if a weight had been placed on his back and continued to scrub. Refusing to give up her case, she continued, “We could escape the city and go to Greece where we can hide and wait out the persecution. Surely, to remain is to threaten our loved ones’ lives, since they are harboring enemies of the Emperor.” Again, he did not respond, but only scrubbed the harder. Finally, she burst out, “Oh, Justin! Must we die to prove our faith?”
At that, he rose and put his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. “No. We do not have to die for Christ to prove we are His followers. In that fact, I want you to remain steadfast. But, There is no need to hide from the executioners. If God Wills me to die for Him and the souls of those who would harm Him, then I will happily die.” There was a pause before he moved so that they faced each other. “Diana, there will come a time when I will no longer be here.” She started in surprise and mumbled contradictions. He continued, “I want you to promise me that when I am gone, you will continue to live the Christian Faith, regardless of any threat that might come your way. Do you promise?”
She stared at him, “I don’t understand you…”
“There is something I have been keeping from you that I think you should now know.” He sat beside her. “Do you remember a slave who came to warn my master of the fire?”
“Yes,” she said. “The poor man.”
“He was my equal in this house. Do you also remember the Christian who we witnessed stoned to death?” Instead of replying, Diana slightly gasped as if she anticipated his next words. He said, “They were one and the same.”
“But, that means…” she whispered.
“That means that they will come for me. The soldiers know where the Christian slaves are; they know Calixtus owns two Christian slaves. One is dead, the other is in this house. If I do not stay and be given up to the soldiers, my master will be tried for intentionally harboring Christians against the law of Rome. Now, you see that I must stay.”
They heard loud noises of footfalls and some shrieks from outside. Justin rose and looked out. He anxiously turned back to Diana, who was also on her feet. “I haven’t much time,” he said. “When I am gone, you should try to get out of the city. Use the excuse of health and do not let any of your family know; it would risk their lives as well as yours.”
Just then, loud thumps pounded on the front door downstairs. He dusted his off hands and reached for the door to the hall. He turned back and said, “Goodbye, fair Diana. We will meet in a better place.”
In a flash, he was gone from her. She stood stunned for a few seconds, hardly believing the truth of what was happening. Then, she ran through the doorway, down the hall, and stumbled down the steps to be faced with several Roman soldiers. Calixtus and Cosmos were present as well as their wives and some frightened servants. The centurion said to Calixtus, “Surrender your Christian slaves at once in the name of Rome.”
Justin stepped forth. Diana held her breath and hid behind a pillar. He said, “I am the one you are looking for. Take me to my death, for I long to be with my Lord in Heaven.” Two soldiers bound his hands and they disappeared out the door. Cosmos said to the centurion, “Rome is surely suffering if it concerns only with the destruction of slaves.”
“It is indeed a pity,” replied the centurion, “But no other way will the thirst for blood be satisfied in the people.” He was troubled and conflicted and walked heavily out to meet his abhorrent duty. Calixtus quickly bolted the door behind him as the others hastily left the room. He stared at the door before going himself, saying, “Never have I known a more devoted, loyal, and courageous man. Goodbye, faithful Justin!”
Diana remained unnoticed by any of them. She went before the door and knelt. Her grief was silent, her pain internal. So quickly had it happened! It was a flash in her mind. Only a moment had passed, but time now seemed an eternity. She ran it over and over again in her head. She imagined again and again the words of her friend. She did not know how long she knelt thus, but, after a seemingly long period, she suddenly felt strengthened. Whether it was the strength of the martyred Justin, the strength of her faith, or the aid of Christ’s love, Diana stood. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she did not shudder.
She followed Justin’s instructions and left the city. Her two brothers were sent with her by their parents and they traveled South. In the safety of the catacombs, Diana told her brothers of Jesus and they accepted the Faith. Likewise, Diana taught many about Christ. For years, she evangelized. As the persecutions continued, more converts came to be taught. She lived to be an old woman and was honored for her virtue and bravery. She would tell those she taught that it is not in death that one is glorified, but life. A person must be willing everyday to die for Christ, but only if they are also willing to live for Him.
She spoke often of the martyr, her friend, Justin. “His calling was to die for Christ,” she said. “My calling is to live for Him.”
The End
