The Lilies of the Field
Barrett, William E.
Main Character: Homer Smith - age 24
Setting: Southwest
Readability: 7

"Schmidt, " Mother Maria Marthe said, "Ve build a shapel. I show you. " he led the way to an old foundation over which a house had burned. She reached into her pocket and produced a sketch of a small frame church.

"Who builds it ?" he said.

Her eyes drilled into him. She waited.

"If you think that I'm building that, you're out of your mind, " he said. 'I'm one man. I ain't no contractor with a crew. I don't need all that work, neither. " He handed the sketch back to her. "No. "

Homer Smith, a black, had just been released from the Army. In his secondhand station wagon, he set out to see the West. He stopped to watch some nuns at work in a field. That encounter led to a strange arrangement with Homer, a Southern Baptist, building a church for Catholic Nuns. The problem was compounded by a lack of money and resources.

Mother Superior provides the goal, unswerving faith, and leadership. Homer provides manpower, some food, a bathtub, and guitar music. He questions how, what, and where, She answers with the authority of a believer. Her perseverence triggers a response in others and a church is built.

Questions:

1. What is this story about?


2. Who was Juan?


3. Describe the church's chimney and and explain its features?


4. Why was there a painting of a Moor in the chapel?


5. What do you think makes "a man of greatness"? Give an example.