What Is Simony?
Preparing for the Fifth Sunday of Easter: Two Days before Sunday (Year B)
Scripture
Psalter: Psalm 22:25-31
Old Testament: Amos 8:11-13
Epistle: Acts 8:9-25
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Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)
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Reflection
Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he was someone great. All of them, from the least to the greatest, listened to him eagerly, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they listened eagerly to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed. After being baptized, he stayed constantly with Philip and was amazed when he saw the signs and great miracles that took place.
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 8:9-25).
Simony is the act of buying or selling something spiritual or closely connected with the spiritual, such as church offices, roles, or sacred things. The term comes from Simon Magus, a figure in the book of Acts who tried to buy the power to confer the Holy Spirit from the Apostles. This practice is considered sinful and has been condemned by various religious organizations because it commercializes sacred matters.
Simony has appeared in various forms throughout church history, with some notable examples including:
Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, simony was widespread in the Christian Church. Many church offices, from the papacy down to local parishes were bought and sold. This practice was so prevalent that it prompted significant reform movements within the church, most notably during the 11th-century Gregorian Reform.
Investiture Controversy: This was a conflict between the papacy and European monarchs during the 11th and 12th centuries, largely over the issue of who had the authority to appoint bishops and abbots. Monarchs often treated these positions as fiefdoms that could be granted to loyal subjects, who in turn provided political and financial support. The controversy highlighted the broader problem of simony within the church’s hierarchy.
The Cadaver Synod: This infamous event from 897 involved Pope Stephen VI putting the corpse of his predecessor, Pope Formosus, on trial. This bizarre posthumous trial was partly motivated by political and ecclesiastical power struggles including accusations of simony against Formosus.
Sale of Indulgences: Leading up to the Protestant Reformation, the sale of indulgences—payments to the Church that purported to reduce punishment for sins—became increasingly common and commercialized. This practice, which can be seen as a form of simony, was one of the key issues addressed by Martin Luther in his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517 sparking the Reformation.
These examples reflect the persistent struggle within the church to maintain spiritual integrity against the corrupting influence of material gain. Sadly, simony remains alive and well in the church and can be seen through the practices of many TV preachers.
SOURCES
Melissa Snell, “The History of the Great Crime of Simony.”
“Simony.” New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia.
“Simony.” Catholic Online.
PRAYER: Living God, long ago, faithful women proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, and the world was changed forever. Teach us to keep faith with them, that our witness may be as bold, our love as deep, and our faith as true. Amen (Revised Common Lectionary).
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