(d.c.89) Cletus, sometimes referred to as Anacletus, was converted and ordained by Saint Peter and became the third pope. In Greek, Cletus means “one who has been called,” and Anacletus means “one who has been called back.” Not much else is known about Cletus other than that he died a martyr. He is mentioned in Eucharistic Prayer I in the Mass, also known as the Roman Canon.
The bishops are the successors of the Apostles and the pope is the direct successor of Peter, the rock. Jesus Himself designed the structure and unity of the Church. In recovery, we don’t pick and choose what principles we fancy and make our own program. How has surrendering to the authority of Christ, the work of the Twelve Steps, and the suggestions of your sponsor or community led you to deeper recovery?
“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:18-19).
Reflection by Brad Farmer