In a small Pueblo there once lived an Indian who was so devoted to the church he never missed mass on Sunday. One Sunday, during his homily, the priest said:

“Have charity, my children. Give alms to the poor. If you expect God’s help it is necessary that you also help the church. You know that when you make a donation to God, He returns it a hundredfold.”

The Indian, who was listening carefully, decided to give a cow that he had to the priest. That afternoon he brought his cow to the church and told the priest, “Padre, I have brought you my cow so that God will give me a hundred cows.”

“Yes, yes, my son,” the priest answered. “Have faith in God and he will repay your gift.” Then the priest took the cow and added it to his own herd.

The Indian returned home very satisfied and he began to build a large corral where he could keep his hundred cows when they arrived. When he finished his corral he sat down to wait for the cows. He waited some time and then thought, “Perhaps the cows don’t come on their own, maybe I should go for them.” So he set out to look for his promised hundred cows. Near the church he came upon a large herd which he drove home and locked securely in his corral.

Later that afternoon the vaqueros who took care of the priest’s herd rode to the Indian’s home.

“Why do you have these cattle locked up?” they asked gruffly. “Have they done some damage?”

“No, they haven’t done any damage,” the Indian answered. “I have them locked up because they’re mine. I gave the priest a cow and he promised me God would give me a hundred, and here they are!”

“These are the priest’s cattle, not yours,” the cowboys answered.

“No, these are mine because he promised me a hundred for one!” the Indian insisted.

The cowboys returned to tell the priest what had happened. When he heard the news the priest became very angry. He got on his mule and the three rode to the Indian’s home. When they arrived at the corral the Indian was sitting by the gate, his bow and quiver of arrows ready.

“Why have you locked up my cattle in your corral!” the priest shouted. “Is this the way you show your gratitude?”

“But these are my cows,” the Indian answered.

“And who gave them to you?”

“You did. You said at mass whoever gave one cow would get a hundred in return!”

“That’s not what I meant, you thief!” the priest cried angrily. “You are a thief and you must turn my cattle loose.” He got down from his mule to open the gate but stopped when he saw the Indian put an arrow to his bow.

“Padre, if you dare touch the lock I will stick this arrow into your heart. Then the devils in hell will give you a hundred more.”

The priest backed away. He realized the Indian meant to make him keep the promise he had made in church, and there was nothing he could do. So he got on his mule and quietly rode home, reminding himself to be more careful with what he said in his sermons.