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
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