“You want a bargain?”

We all are looking for bargains aren’t we. A beloved Catholic priest now in his later years recounts
a story about a visit to Indonesia. He was on a mission trip there and while walking
through the local market, similar to our farmer’s market in the U.S., he was hungry and wanted a
snack, preferably his favorite-bananas. There was a old lady in her tent booth with bananas so
he asked, “How much for one of those bananas?” “Fifty-cent” she replied. Thinking that a bit
much, he replied, “I’ll give you 25 cents.” “I give you three for one-dollar,” she says. “No I will
give no more than fifty cents for three.” “OK,” she says, “and I throw one more in to appreciate
you business.” Walking out the priest was happy, “I got a bargain!” But then he realized just
what he had done. He could have bought the entire market, given the lady food for a year even
on his priest's “salary.” He got an extra one in gratitude for his purchase-he was “out-graced.”

I took my grandchildren shopping recently. There was a big sale going on at Belk’s department
store here in Birmingham that was having a 75% off sale. I had a coupon for an additional 15%
off. We bought two pair of jeans for my grandson, $19 each, and being his waist requires a size
that leaves the legs way too long, I asked if they could be “taken up a bit.” “Oh, yes, I will get the
seamstress down here.”
Well all was done and I went to pay, she ways that will be fourteen dollars for the alterations
for each pair of jeans, but if you open a Belk credit account alterations are free. Great I said, sign
me up. All said and done, she adds, “You know that it will not cover this purchase and alterations?”
Not to be outdone, “Well then, I will just not open the account if they are not included.“ After calls to her superiors over the course of another fifteen minutes, she exclaims, “Congratulations, they approved your request.” Oh my, I just got me a bargain!!

Reflecting later, I could have bought the jeans at regular price without a dent in my pocket book. What example did I set for my grandchildren watching all this go down? Oh I was a nice little “Christian,” did not raise my voice or curse. But instead of being gracious and appreciative of the 75% discount, I wanted a bargain. If fact, I in so much as demanded it.

Bargains? Yes, but now let me tell you about a real bargain? How would you like to live in a
place that helps you have lower blood pressure, the lowest level of suicide on earth, the lowest
stress levels on earth, a longer life by seven years, a more rapid rate of recovery from depression,
the highest levels of self-esteem, self-worth on earth, and the highest sense of purpose in life and
overall sense of well-being on earth? Where would that be? In Switzerland? On a Hawaiian
beach? Costa Rica? Nope. You get all these pleasures and benefits by being in church or your
favorite faith community (BeliefNet.com).

" Research now shows that all of the above facts are indeed true, and that a strong and active faith life in community with others is the key to becoming the best version
of yourself."

 I can’t help but think of our Kairos community, but only about one in ten follow
through the program once the weekend is over and the food is gone. “Oh ye of little faith.”
Jesus said, “Follow me.” Obey my commandments and I will go and prepare a place for you,
and I will come back to get you and take you there for all eternity.

Now that is a real bargain. See Luke 6 for your “coupons” to the “good life.” Know where you want to live? Amen?

Spiritual Reflections for


Incarcerated Souls

A monthly publication dedicated

to inmates at W. E. Donaldson

Correctional Facility in West

Jefferson, Alabama and Holman

CF in Atmore.


By Robbie Baldwin, M.D. March 1, 2011