“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)

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)

This Simon, who was a sorcerer, witnessed the miraculous power that was being transmitted by the Apostles through the laying on of hands and immediately saw its lucrative potential. Thus, propelled by the same greed and avarice which overtook Judas, Simon offers the Apostles money to acquire or “buy” this power. Sadly, his desire was driven solely by financial gain, and his name is forever connected to the corrupt act (sin) of buying or selling spiritual privileges as a means of profit: Simony.

Fr. John