Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
The earliest examples of Christian art may be found in the catacombs of Santa Priscilla in the north of Rome. In addition to the first recorded image of Mary holding the infant Jesus, there exists a portrayal of the Susanna before the elders, the story told in today’s first reading. These two elders attempted to seduce her and then perjured themselves to cover up their scheme. Their lies were being used to condemn Susanna to death, but thanks to the prophet Daniel, the truth was revealed. For the early Christians, this story gave them great consolation. The image of Susanna standing falsely accused and then eventually saved served as an image for the work of Christ who would redeem those who stayed steadfast in their beliefs. Standing firm in the face of persecution takes great courage. In the case of Susanna, Daniel revealed the falsehood and her life was saved. Others have stood firm in their faith and have lost their lives because of their beliefs. Although we may not be called to give our lives in witness for the faith, stories like those of Susanna and the Christian martyrs remind us that we are called to courageously witness to our faith in our conversations and actions.