She is already what she will become.
In crimson cape, her neck pierced by a sword,
she holds the palm of peace and martyrdom—
both suffering and glory, her reward.
The striking textile pattern, a rosette,
recurs in hues of amethyst and jade,
suggesting jewels, perhaps an amulet
for Christians. At the edge, it is replayed
in ombré tones of dark and lighter grey—
a girdle or a necklace, linked in gold,
with tags marked Luciae Virginis. Pray.
The artisan creator says “Behold.”
—Catharine Savage Brosman
You have a decision to make: double or nothing.
For this week only, a generous supporter has offered to fully match all new and increased donations to First Things up to $60,000.
In other words, your gift of $50 unlocks $100 for First Things, your gift of $100 unlocks $200, and so on, up to a total of $120,000. But if you don’t give, nothing.
So what will it be, dear reader: double, or nothing?
Make your year-end gift go twice as far for First Things by giving now.
