…judges Francis’ idea on the role of women in the Church
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Let every one of you give thanks to God in his own order, not going beyond the rule of the ministry prescribed to him
For his own peculiar services are assigned to the high priest, and their own proper place is prescribed to the priests, and their own special ministrations devolve on the Livetes. The layman is bound by the laws that pertain to the laymen. Let every one of you, brethren, give thanks to God in his own order, living in all good conscience, with becoming gravity, and not going beyond the rule of the ministry prescribed to him. (Clement I of Rome. Letter to the Corinthians, 40-41)
…judges Francis’ idea on conversion of the papacy
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Each one is only pleasing to God when remaining within the measure determined by Christ
As far as fulfilling both offerings and acts of worship is concerned, the Lord did not command them to be done in an empty or disorderly manner, at set times and hours. Now where and through whom he wanted these done, he determined by his highest will so that everything might take place in a holy manner and so be completely pleasing to his will. […] For the high priest has been assigned his own official functions, and the priests have their own appointed place, and the Levites are given ministries of service. The layman is bound by the ordinances for the laity. Each of us, brothers, has ‘his own order’ (1Cor 15:23). Let him give thanks to God with a good conscience, without going beyond his determined guideline of service, in dignity. (Denzinger-Hünermann 101. Saint Clement I, Letter to the Corinthians, ca. 96 AD)
…judges Francis’ idea on God judging us by loving us
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Submit yourselves and receive correction, laying aside the arrogant self-confidence of your tongue
Let us receive correction, beloved, on account of which no one should feel displeased. Those exhortations by which we admonish one another are both good [in themselves], and highly profitable, for they tend to unite us to the will of God. For thus says the holy Word: ‘The Lord has severely chastened me, yet has not given me over to death.’ ‘For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.’ […] You therefore, who laid the foundation of this sedition, submit yourselves to the presbyters, and receive correction so as to repent, bending the knees of your hearts. Learn to be subject, laying aside the proud and arrogant self-confidence of your tongue. For it is better for you that you should occupy a humble but honourable place in the flock of Christ, than that, being highly exalted, you should be cast out from the hope of His people. (Clement I of Rome. Letter to the Corinthians, Ch. 56, 57)
…judges Francis’ idea that spiritual direction is a charism of the laity
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Let each one give thanks to God in his own order – the priest as a priest, and the layman as a layman
These things therefore being manifest to us, and since we look into the depths of the divine knowledge, it behoves us to do all things in [their proper] order, which the Lord has commanded us to perform at stated times. He has enjoined offerings [to be presented] and service to be performed [to Him], and that not thoughtlessly or irregularly, but at the appointed times and hours. Where and by whom He desires these things to be done, He Himself has fixed by His own supreme will, in order that all things, being piously done according to His good pleasure, may be acceptable unto Him. Those, therefore, who present their offerings at the appointed times, are accepted and blessed; for inasmuch as they follow the laws of the Lord, they sin not. For his own peculiar services are assigned to the high priest, and their own proper place is prescribed to the priests, and their own special ministrations devolve on the Levites. The layman is bound by the laws that pertain to laymen. Let every one of you, brethren, give thanks to God in his own order. (Clement I of Rome. First Epistle to the Corinthians, ch, 40.)
…judges Francis’ idea on human suffering
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Nothing is impossible with God, except to lie
Having then this hope, let our souls be bound to Him who is faithful in His promises, and just in His judgments. He who has commanded us not to lie, shall much more Himself not lie; for nothing is impossible with God, except to lie. Let His faith therefore be stirred up again within us, and let us consider that all things are near unto Him. (Saint Clement of Rome. Letter to the Corinthians, Ch. 27)
…judges Francis’ words in his first appearance
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Each one only gives thanks to God honorably in his own order and not transgressing the prescribed rule of his own office
[The Lord] commanded that the offerings and ministries be fulfilled, not by chance and without order or harmony, but rather in determined times and seasons. And where or by whom they be performed, He himself determined with his sovereign will, in order that, performing everything in a pure and holy manner according to his satisfaction, it be acceptable to his divine will. […] (For) they do not go astray who follow the commands of the Lord. Inasmuch as peculiar gifts have been bestowed upon the chief priest, a special place has been assigned to the priests, and particular duties are incumbent upon the Levites. The layman is bound by the precepts pertaining to the laity. Let each of us, brethren, ‘in his own order’ (1Co 15,23) with a good conscience not transgressing the prescribed rule of his own office give thanks to God honorably. (Denzinger-Hünermann 101. Saint Clemente I of Rome, Letter to the Corinthians, ~ 96 AD. – Latin)
