Christ is Risen!
“And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, 'Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit’.” (Acts 8:18-19)
The act of selling church offices, sacraments, or sacred things in general is known as “Simony.” It was named after Simon the Magician (or Sorcerer) who offered the Apostles money in exchange for their empowering him to impart the power of the Holy Spirit and work miracles.
Because Simon viewed such holy works as a means to get rich, the Apostle Peter chastised him for his greed and avarice. In retaliation, Church tradition states that this Simon held a grudge over this matter and consistently tried to corrupt the Early Church by spreading false teachings and heresies.
Fr. John
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