August 17, 2022 Daily Dose of Discernment

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. (Acts 8:18)

In the Book of Acts, Simon the Magician thought he could buy the things of God. Good thing, Peter could not be bought.

Sadly, in some cases and to a certain degree, the church has become a marketplace where everything is for sale. Holy Orders has been reduced to a career rather than a vocation, and leaders are after remuneration rather than fulfilling a divine calling.

What parishioners can do is “lead the clergy not into temptation.” That is, provide for them in such a way that they would not have to put their services up for sale because they need to survive. Like our gracious Lord, let us freely bless them and not make them earn it. Because as He said, he who honors His representatives honors Him. When their minds are free from anxiety for material needs, they will be more effective in providing their flock’s spiritual needs.