What exactly does it mean "to buy my way"?

Question

The sentences goes: I will buy my way, making lavish contributions to the poor and weak.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

It sort of reminds me of a time past when you could buy your way into heaven.  It was quite a scandalous time for the Catholic Church, as they were selling indulgences to finance their lavish life style, as a means of granting you forgiveness of your sins.

As I recall, it was around this time that the anti semitic Martin Luther, a soon to be defrocked Catholic Priest, tacked his 95 theses upon the Church door  in protest of selling the indulgences.  And thus began the Protestant Reformation.    

Answer 2

Buying your way means that you will try and use money to accomplish something rather than let nature take its course. It's more or less like bribery. As far as "making lavish contributions to the poor and weak" it sounds like false devotion to donating so that you are adored, regardless of whether it truly comes from your heart or just your wallet.