A story for every day...
God gives the grace of faith to the one who lives piously.
Eustace was a Roman of great birth whom Trajan had placed at the head of his armies for his talents and bravery. Although still pagans, Eustace and his wife were very good to the poor, and their charity obtained for them the grace of faith from God. One day, while Eustace was hunting in the forest, he suddenly found himself in front of a large stag, carrying a luminous cross between its antlers. At the same time a voice was heard, “Eustace, your alms and other good works have come up to Me, and I have accepted them with pleasure.” Eustace dismounted, bowed and said, “Lord, who are You? – I am Jesus Christ,” said the voice. “Go to the bishop of Rome and be baptized.” Eustace obeyed and was baptized with his wife and two sons. Later he won remarkable victories over the Barbarians under Trajan, and the emperor Adrian, who succeeded Trajan, who had died in the meantime, ordered great festivals with solemn sacrifices. The emperor himself attended and people were very surprised not to see the victorious general. Eustace was summoned by Adrian and confessed that he was a Christian, and the emperor had him and his family locked up in a large incandescent bronze bull, and these brave Christians consummated their martyrdom by this torture.
God never fails to enlighten the soul that practices good and sincerely seeks the truth.
