Commemoration of Clement of
Rome, Pastor
November 23, 2012
The Lord be with you
November 23 is set aside
for the commemoration of Clement of Rome on the Church Calendar used in the
LCMS. Clement (ca. 35-100 ad) is
remembered for having established the pattern of apostolic authority that
governed the Christian Church during the first and second centuries. He also
insisted on keeping Christ at the center of the Church’s worship and outreach.
In a letter to the Christians at Corinth, he emphasized the centrality of
Jesus’ death and resurrection: “Let us fix our eyes on the blood of Christ,
realizing how precious it is to His Father, since it was poured out for our
salvation and brought the grace of repentance to the whole world” (1 Clement
6:31). Clement displayed a steadfast, Christ-like love for God’s redeemed
people, serving as an inspiration to the future generations to continue to
build the Church on the foundation of the prophets and apostles, with Christ as
the one and only cornerstone. Tradition indicates he suffered a martyr’s death
by drowning, being tied to an anchor.
Clement was probably the
fourth bishop of Rome, the third after Peter, who is said to have
ordained him. He may well be the Clement referred to in Philippians 4:3.
Collect for the Commemoration of Clement of Rome, Pastor: Almighty God, Your servant Clement of Rome called
the Church in Corinth to repentance and faith to unite them in Christian
love. Grant that Your Church may be anchored in Your truth by the presence of
the Holy Spirit and kept blameless in Your service until the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and forever. Amen.
Other prayers that this day might inspire:
- For the Roman Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome
- For peace in the church
- For solid, Christ-centered, leaders in the Church
- For a commitment to remain true to Jesus unto the end
- For those who, in these days, face death for their faith in Christ
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
No comments:
Post a Comment