Today we celebrate the feast of St. Clement, the third pope! He is said to have held the office of St. Peter after Linus. Most likely the dates of his reign take the Church up to the end of the first century. He was a good and faithful Shepherd, He knew Sts Peter and Paul personally. He was, therefore, instrumental in laying the foundation, with them, of the Christian faith from its very beginnings.
St. Peter, in the first reading today, tells the priests of his day - which certainly included the bishops - to witness of the sufferings of Christ - to tend the flock of God in your midst, overseeing not by constraint, but willingly, eagerly. They were not to lord it over those assigned to them, but were to be examples to the flock - so that one day they might receive the unfading crown of glory.
St. Clement was such a priest, he was such a bishop!
He very judiciously and lovingly tended the flock assigned him! He is noted for his letter to the Corinthians in which he encouraged unity and peace - the unity and peace which Christ himself prayed for. He told them: “how blessed and wonderful are God’s gifts! There is life everlasting, joy in righteousness, truth in freedom, faith, confidence, and self-control in holiness…. and there are other, greater gifts which are to come for those who wait!”
The authority of Pope St. Clement came, of course, from the confession of St. Peter. Peter declares Jesus to be the Son of the Living God (inspired by the Holy Spirit to do so); and Jesus in turn makes him the rock-like foundation of the Church. All who succeed Peter as Pope would have the authority to keep the Church alive and intact until Jesus comes again! Clement fulfilled the duty Jesus gave him as second in line after Peter.
After many years of faithful service to the Church - especially converting many pagans - Clement was given the crown of martyrdom when the Roman prefect ordered him drowned in the sea with an anchor (a symbol of Christ) tied around his neck!
Today we honor and thank Clement for fulfilling his duty quietly, diligently and courageously!
With him may we for ever sing the goodness of the Lord!
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