God Is Not For Sale

The story of the early Church continues in today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles. We hear about Simon who offers Peter and John money so that he can do what they do:

 

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ But Peter said to him, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness.’ Simon answered, ‘Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me.’

 

Now after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the good news to many villages of the Samaritans.  (Acts 8: 14-25).

 

You may have heard of “simony” which is the purchase of a position of authority within the Church.  That word has its roots in today’s reading where Simon wants to buy the ability to give the gift of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands.  Look at what Peter says in response: “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness.”  Simon gets it wrong on a number of levels.  First, the gift of the Holy Spirit is freely given. God is not for sale.  Second, the life of ministry is a servant’s life; it does not make one rich. If one becomes wealthy in ministry, they are bound by the chains of selfishness and self centeredness.  Be on guard against such ministers.

 

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father, since the time of the Apostles you have inspired the Church to commission through the Holy Spirit certain members to assist in a special way in the pastoral mission of Christ. Bless all ordained ministers that they may be humble and faith-inspired in their service.  We ask this through Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List especially the families of the 19 firefighters who died in Arizona, for all of those who are traveling, and for Jillian’s brother, David.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550