A certain man
Ananias, by name,
with Sapphira, his wife
sold a piece of land.
And he kept something back for himself
from the proceeds
with his wife’s knowledge
and he brought a part
and he placed it
at the apostles’ feet.
But Peter said:
‘Ananias,
Why has Satan
filled your heart –
to lie to the Holy Spirit
and to keep back for yourself
something from the proceeds (of the sale) of the field?
It, unsold, did it not remain yours,
and it, when it had been sold was in not at your disposal?
Why then did you did you decide in your heart
(to do) this deed?
You have not lied to people,
but to God.’
And Ananias,
hearing these words
having fallen down
died.
and a great fear
came upon all those who heard (about it).
So the young men got up
and wrapped him up
and when they had carried him out
buried him.
Thank you, dear Jesus,
for all you have given me,
for all you have taken away from me,
for all you have left me.
Thomas More (c.1478-1535)