Our Lord Jesus is on a cross adorned with twelve doves, symbolizing the apostles. There is an inscription (not seen in our photo) at the bottom of the mosaic saying, “We liken the Church of Christ to this vine that the law causes to wither and the Cross causes to bloom.”
Apse mosaic, Basilica of St. Clemente, Rome – 2006; the present 11th century basilica was built over the original 1st century church.
St. Clement was baptized by the holy Apostle Peter and became his fervent disciple and constant companion. Shortly before his own sufferings and death, St. Peter consecrated St. Clement as Bishop of Rome. After the death of the Apostle Peter, St. Linus [(67-79) 2 Timothy 4:21] was the next Bishop of Rome, succeeded by St. Anacletus [(Cletus)(79-91)], and then St. Clement (92-101).
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ~ St. Matthew 11:28-30
Christ calls us to Himself, promising sweet rest for our souls. He would say to us:
Do you desire good for yourself? All Good is in Me.
Do you desire blessings? All Blessings are in Me.
Do you desire beauty? What is lovelier that I?
Do you desire noble birth? What birth is more noble than that of the Son of God and the Virgin?
Do you desire rank? Who is of higher rank than the King of heaven?
Do you desire glory? Who is more glorious than I?
Riches? All riches are in Me.
Wisdom? I am the Wisdom of God.
Friendship? Who is a greater friend than I – I who laid down my life for all?
Help? Who can help but I?
Happiness? Who can be happy without Me?
Do you seek consolation in distress? Who will console you but I?
Do you seek peace? I am the Peace of the soul.
Do you seek life? In Me is the fount of life.
Do you seek light? I am the Light of the world.
Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest!