History
As we consider the ways in which the Lutheran Church can celebrate St. Clement of Rome and his day on November 23rd, we must admit that there are not many historical ideas for activities related to this man or his day on the liturgical calendar. In fact, much of what we know comes from early Church tradition and his own writing.
Clement’s letter to the Corinthians, often called “First Clement,” is the only piece of writing that can be traced back to this early bishop and martyr. The text arises out of trouble in the church of Corinth, a situation when some members revolted and drove out the rulers of the congregation, which was at risk of being permanently divided and destroyed. As the bishop of Rome, St. Clement was tasked with writing to the Christians in Corinth in the hope of reestablishing peace and order.
The letter was so significant that many Church fathers and notable Christians after Clement often referred to it, preached from it, and encouraged Christians to read from it, seeing it as a text that the Church would always be able to draw upon for advice.
First Clement
While this piece of writing from St. Clement may be new to you, it is certainly worth reading as part of your education on and appreciation of this saint! 65 chapters in total (most of which are very short), it would not be unthinkable to read it in its entirety on November 23rd. Additionally, there are many videos in which you can hear others read through the letter, taking you through all of it in as little as an hour. However, for the purposes of the household and our own interests, we especially encourage you to attend to chapters 9-12, one of which titled “Examples of the Saints” gives an especially helpful look at faithful Christians of the past.
In fact, this portion of the letter is one of the favorites of those who read it today! Clement’s letter goes through the whole story of the Bible, using bits and pieces to paint a picture of Christian action and obedience. Similar to Hebrews, it incorporates the totality of Scripture, focusing on the overall story and narrative structure of the Bible. We hope that you, like others who have gone before you in the faith, will also appreciate Clement’s insight and use the opportunity to learn a little more about him on his day!
Also definitely hit up ch 32 in honor of Reformation Sunday, lol. “All these, therefore, were highly honoured, and made great, not for their own sake, or for their own works, or for the righteousness which they wrought, but through the operation of His will. And we, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or works which we have wrought in holiness of heart; but by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Not that he doesn’t also sound contrary out of context elsewhere, to be fair)
Thank you, Bethany! What a gem, indeed! Amen!