November 23
St Clement I, pope and martyr
Monday, week 34 in Ordinary Time — Year II
St Clement I, also called Clement of Rome, is revered as one of the very first successors of St Peter, serving as Bishop of Rome most likely in the late first century. His papacy is generally placed after that of St Peter, Linus, and Anacletus, making him traditionally the fourth Pope, though precise dates of his service are uncertain. He is especially remembered for his Letter to the Corinthians (1 Clement), one of the earliest surviving examples of Christian writing outside the New Testament. This letter reveals a strong concern for Church unity and order, invoking the authority of apostolic succession and encouraging charity and humility among Christians.
Legends around Clement’s martyrdom suggest he suffered exile and eventual death under Roman persecution, possibly under Emperor Trajan. According to later sources, he is said to have been martyred by being tied to an anchor and drowned, though historical details about his death remain uncertain. St Clement is venerated as a model of steadfast faith, pastoral care, and unity for the Christian community. The optional memorial of St Clement I highlights the importance the early Church placed on continuity, leadership, and the primacy of charity.
As a significant early Church Father, St Clement's legacy continues to shape Catholic understanding of ecclesial hierarchy and the importance of maintaining communion within the Church. His witness points believers towards fidelity to Christ in the midst of trial and dedication to building up the Body of Christ.
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The liturgical day
Mass readings
ReadingAp 14, 1-3.4b-5
I, John,
saw:
and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion,
and with him the one hundred and forty-four thousand
who have written on their foreheads
the name of the Lamb and that of his Father.
And I heard a voice coming from heaven
like the voice of many waters
or like a great peal of thunder;
but this voice I heard
was also like that of harpists
playing and singing on their harps.
They were singing a new hymn before the Throne,
and before the four Living Creatures and the Elders.
No one could learn this hymn
except the one hundred and forty-four thousand,
those who have been redeemed and taken from the earth.
These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes;
they have been taken from among men,
purchased as firstfruits for God and for the Lamb.
In their mouths, no lie was found;
they are without blemish.
– The word of the Lord.
PsalmPs 23 (24), 1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
The earth and all its riches belong to the Lord,
the world and all its inhabitants!
It is he who founded it upon the seas
and keeps it unshakable upon the waves.
Who can climb the mountain of the Lord
and stand in his holy place?
The one of pure heart, with innocent hands,
who does not turn his soul toward idols.
He receives blessing from the Lord,
and justice from God his Savior.
Here is the people who seek him!
Here is Jacob who seeks your face!
GospelLc 21, 1-4
At that time,
as Jesus was teaching in the Temple,
looking up, he saw rich people
putting their offerings into the treasury.
He also saw a poor widow
putting in two small coins.
Then he said,
"Truly I tell you,
this poor widow has put in more than all the others.
For all these people made offerings
out of their surplus,
but she, out of her poverty,
has put in all she had to live on."
– Let us acclaim the Word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org