“Let the strong care for the weak, and let the weak respect the strong. Let the rich provide for the poor, and let the poor give thanks that God has given them one to supply their need. Let the wise show their wisdom, not in words, but in good deeds,” wrote Clement whom we commemorate on this day, the day of his death in 100 AD.

Clement was a slave in the household of Titus Flavius Clemens, a relative of Emperor Domitian. When his master granted him his freedom he adopted the name Clement in thanksgiving. He is remembered because in the year 95 he wrote a letter to the Church in Corinth on behalf of the Church in Rome. Corinth was in a divisive upheaval and Clement admonished those members who were rebelling against the bishop in Corinth. The letter known as I Clement presents arguments in support of obeying the duly called and approved leaders of the church and encourages the various factions to humble themselves in service to one another for the glory of God and the spread of the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us give thanks to God for this first century Christian peacemaker, Clement of Rome.

Bible Reading: Luke 6:37-45