special gift
First Clement, the church of Rome’s letter traditionally associated with St. Clement, describes a body whose members need one another. The great and small serve a common life. Its exhortation then asks each person to act according to the gift received. The gift belongs within responsibility toward the whole body. 1 Clement, chapters 37-38
The letter makes this concrete: the strong should not despise the weak; a person with wealth should help someone in need; wisdom should appear in good deeds; humility should avoid self-praise. Different gifts call for different acts, while all are received from the God who made us. Thanksgiving therefore accompanies their use. 1 Clement, chapters 37-38
Paul’s teaching about the body similarly rejects the claim that one member does not need another. God has arranged the members so that care, suffering and honor can be shared. The passage names belonging before it discusses individual usefulness. A gift is received within a body whose members are called to care for each other. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
The question for reflection can therefore shift toward the person our gift might serve. Knowledge may help someone understand; strength or resources may support another member’s need. These applications follow the letter’s examples. They do not require pretending that everyone has the same ability or that one person’s contribution makes another expendable. 1 Clement, chapters 37-38
Give thanks for what has been received, then consider its appropriate use within the life of the Church. The letter calls wisdom toward deeds and strength toward care. Paul keeps mutual need before us. Our gift can become an occasion to serve a person rather than a reason to rank ourselves above them. 1 Clement, chapters 37-38
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
- 1 Clement. Source. Translated by John Keith. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 9. Edited by Allan Menzies. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1896.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1010.htm.
Scripture references link to these comparison editions: NKJV. Biblical passages are paraphrased. Biblical language within a patristic quotation follows the identified historical English translation.