Security
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle B
Theme For The Day: Security. Naomi provided security for herself and Ruth through family connections. In the Gospel, the widow gave away all she had because she discovered her security in trusting God.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Ruth 3:1--5; 4:13--17 (C)
Recognizing the need for security, Naomi instructs Ruth in the proper customs of obtaining a suitable husband. She is told to bathe, anoint herself and put on her best clothes. Then she is to go and lie at the feet of Boaz, one of the near kin of her husband. Marriages were arranged by parents and Naomi is serving in this role. When Boaz awoke, he accepted the obligation of marrying Ruth, after purchasing Naomi's lot. Marriage was not a matter of romance but a business transaction. After Boaz and Ruth marry, Ruth bears a son. Some interpret verses 14--17 as a ceremony whereby Naomi adopts Ruth's child as her own, who replaces her dead sons. The book of Ruth assumes importance in the Old Testament canon because Ruth's son, Obed, is the grandfather of King David.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 17:10--16 (RC); 1 Kings 17:8--16 (E)
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:24--28 (C, RC, E)
Christ's sacrifice is the real thing (v. 24). The ceremonies conducted in the Jewish religion were mere prototypes or shadows of the heavenly reality. This text claims that Christ's offering of himself was not a copy but the real thing, that Christ interceded on our behalf not in a man--made temple, but heaven itself.
God offers himself for our sin (v. 26). Sin is serious business. It leads to death. In order to save us from the consequence of sin, God offered up his own life in the person of his Son.
The second coming of Christ (v. 28). Christ came to deal with sin through offering up his life as a sacrifice. When he returns, it will be to receive those who those who have accepted his salvation and to usher them into his eternal kingdom.
Gospel: Mark 12:38--44 (C, RC, E)
This gospel continues to portray the conflict between Jesus and the scribes. He warns against the prideful hypocrisy so characteristic of their behavior. They love to go about in long robes, pray pretentious prayers and like to be seen in the places of honor. They act piously but their behavior doesn't square with their image. "They devour widow's houses" (v. 40). For such spiritual sinning, they will receive a greater judgment than others. In contrast to their behavior, Jesus observes a destitute widow put all the money she had into the temple coffers. Though she gave practically nothing, it was more than the large sums of the wealthy. The two copper coins represented the giving of her whole self to God.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 127 (C) - "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain" (v. 1).
Psalm 146 (E)
Psalm 145 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Merciful Lord Jesus, we thank you for your compassion, which reaches out to the poor and those without any visible means of support. Make us also instruments for lifting up those laid low by the misfortunes of life. In Jesus' merciful name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Ruth 3:1--5; 4:13--17
Homemaker (v. 1). Naomi was a homemaker. She realized that Ruth needed a home and family and she regarded it as her responsibility to help her obtain it.
No generation gap (v. 5). Ruth explicitly and freely obeyed her mother--in--law. There was no generation gap then, because elders were respected as repositories of knowledge and wisdom. In our day, when young people are generally more knowledgeable concerning technology, those who set the tone for society seem to feel that other kinds of knowledge are insignificant. Unfortunately, they tend to discount the wisdom and knowledge that comes through experience.
Love child (v. 15). So many children today are not conceived in love. Obed was a love child, more the product of the love of two women than of a man and woman. Obed was particularly precious to Naomi because he was borne by a daughter she loved better than life itself. The love of these two woman led to life, for them and generations to come.
God of the gaps (v. 15). When the men in the lives of Naomi and Ruth died, it left a large gap in their existence. The word for "widow" means literally to be bereft, to be without, to have a large gaping empty space in one's life. Yet, these women trusted God to fill this gap, which he did in the fullness of time.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:24--28
He removes our sins away, not our life (v. 26). Jesus offered his life to God for us, so as to remove our sin, not our life.
An appointment you won't forget (v. 27). A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I had an appointment with our attorney to do some estate planning. He didn't show up. Few things bug me more than a missed appointment. The writer of Hebrews reminds us of a fact we would just as soon forget: We have an appointment with death. "It's appointed a person once to die...."
Final evaluation (v. 27). "...and afterward the judgment." Most anywhere you work or go these days, someone is either evaluating you or asking you to evaluate him. Good feedback is a prerequisite of constructive change. Evaluation is nothing more or less than critical judgment. The Bible speaks of the final judgment, which sends shivers up the spine for many people. It's true that those without faith will not be judged acceptable, but I think that we should view our final judgment as an evaluation to help us grow eternally.
Gospel: Mark 12:38--44
Playing for the house (vv. 38--40). Jesus accused the scribes of being actors, playing a part, not living the life of faith. Everything they did was calculated to impress the audience, to bring down the house with applause. They wore garish garments to gain notice and loved long prayers. Wherever they went, they searched for the most visible and honorable places. God despises phoniness!
Nothing but the best (v. 39). Movie magazines and Lifestyles Of The Rich and Famous on television showcase the sumptuous lifestyles of celebrities. Nothing but the top of the line is good enough for them. Millions of people of common means drool over their goodies, imagining what it would be like to have what they have, to live as they live. For the scribes that Jesus referred to, nothing but the best was good enough for them either. The best clothes, the choicest seats and the ultimate in respect and admiration. It's fine to want nothing but the best. The question is: Who defines what the best is? Is it God's word or is it the world?
Beyond the best (vv. 42--44). The widow didn't give merely her best to the Lord, she gave her all. She offered herself as a living sacrifice to God. What she had to give may not have been that much but it was beautiful to the Lord.
Jesus is watching what we give (v. 41). Church members often say that what I give is between God and me. I have a feeling that if a study were conducted comparing their offerings to that of the church population as a whole, the former group would contribute substantially less. Jesus apparently didn't feel that what God's people offer up to his work is a matter of indifference. Jesus situated himself opposite the temple treasury and observed what people placed in the chest. It's a rather discomfiting thought that Jesus is watching us as we put our offerings in the plate, especially if our gift is a mere token.
Sacrifice catches Christ's notice, not pretense (vv. 43--44). It's ironic that those who wanted to catch God's notice, and the attention of everyone else (the scribes), only earned Jesus' condemnation. But the widow, who quietly did her thing and gave all she had, found herself in the limelight. Jesus called attention to her giving because it was from the heart, the sacrifice of her very being. People may or may not notice such selfless giving but God does.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Ruth 3:1--5; 4:13--17
Sermon Title: Future Builders
Sermon Angle: Naomi was a builder of the future. She didn't live life just for herself but realized that it was her obligation to get the next generation established. That's why she came up with the scheme to unite Ruth with her kinsman, Boaz. Any society that does not give prime consideration to building the future for the next generations is derelict and will eventually self--destruct.
Outline:
1. Naomi felt bound to secure a home and a future for Ruth (v. 1).
2. God calls us to be future builders.
3. Because of her compassion and wisdom, their future was reborn (vv. 13--17).
4. What are we doing, individually and corporately, to build a future for the next generation?
Sermon Title: Winnowing Widow
Sermon Angle: The story takes place at the time of the barley harvest. Boaz and his helpers winnowed the grain in the evening, when the breezes blew from the Mediterranean Sea. When the winnowers would throw the grain into the air, the wind would blow away the lighter chaff from the more dense heads of grain. Separating that which is valuable and nourishing from that which is not goes on in all avenues of life. Naomi had done some winnowing for herself and had determined that Boaz was a worthy husband for Ruth. When Boaz found Ruth at his feet and determined that she wanted him to marry her, he also recognized that Ruth was no piece of chaff (3:11). A sermon on choosing your mate could be preached from this text. Many marriages fail because some people are willing to settle for chaff.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:24--28
Sermon Title: What Christ Accomplished For Us
Sermon Angle: Hebrews is big on Christology, relating what Christ has accomplished for us through his death and resurrection. Here are three things that Christ promises to accomplish for us.
Outline:
1. Christ intercedes on our behalf before God's throne (v. 24).
2. He offers himself as the final sacrifice for our sin (v. 26).
3. He will come to receive us to himself (v. 28).
Sermon Title: It Is Finished For Good!
Sermon Angle: The text contends that the sacrificial work of Christ does not need to be repeated (v. 25). One of the words Jesus uttered from the cross is "It is finished!" Even before the resurrection, Jesus was confident that everything that needed to be done for our salvation had already been accomplished. We cannot add anything or take anything away. All we can do is appropriate what Christ has already completed.
Outline:
1. When Jesus died on the cross, he cried, "It is finished!"
2. Jesus did not need to offer himself repeatedly (v. 25).
3. Sin has been dealt a fatal blow by his sacrifice (v. 26).
4. Do not think to add to Christ's sacrifice through your good deeds but accept by faith the finished work of Christ.
Gospel: Mark 12:38--44
Sermon Title: Beware Of Submerged Objectives
Sermon Angle: When you are boating, particularly in a river or close to the shoreline or adjacent to a coral reef, you have to be alert to submerged obstacles. It's not the things that you see which pose the greatest dangers but those you can't see. The same applies to religion. The lives of some religious folks glisten on the outside, like the head of Telly Savalas, but the inside is anything but pretty. Below the surface lies jealousy, lust and covetousness. Jesus warned the people of his day to "beware of the scribes" (v. 38); underneath the placid surface lurked a spiritual mine field.
Outline:
1. When boating, never lose sight of the dangers beneath the water.
2. Jesus warned, "Beware of the scribes...." Beneath the righteous surface lurked the monster of pride.
3. The scribes concealed their true self, even from themselves, but the monsters would surface (they devoured widow's houses) (v. 40).
4. Beware of submerged objectives in your life and remove them by God's grace.
Sermon Title: Living Without Social Security
Sermon Angle: With all the talk about containing the national debt and scaling back social security and welfare benefits, many people are troubled by the prospect of possibly living with little or no social security. In the First Lesson, the story of Ruth, Naomi secured social security by helping her daughter--in--law obtain a husband. The widow featured in the Gospel had no social security whatsoever. She was left to rely on the charity of others, her own hard work and, especially, the goodness of God. Jesus marvelled at her faith.
Outline:
1. Most of us are counting on social security for retirement.
2. Before the government stepped in, families provided social security.
3. Ruth and Naomi found social security in linking up with family.
4. The widow of the Gospel had no security except through her faith in the Lord.
5. Living without social security would be very hard but living without spiritual security would be tragic.
Sermon Title: A Case Study On Loving God
Sermon Angle: The Gospel for last Sunday featured the first and greatest commandment, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. This week's Gospel is a case study on what it means to love God in this way. The poor widow loved the Lord completely by entrusting to him everything that she possessed. Generally, if we trust God with our pocketbooks, we trust him with all the other arenas of our lives as well.
Outline:
1. In last week's Gospel, Jesus taught that loving God was the greatest commandment.
2. The story of the poor widow illustrates the principle of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
3. Letting loose of our money is generally an indication that we truly love God and are willing to let God have the rest of our lives as well.
__________
Being around the time of Thanksgiving, a member of the church I serve told me this story about a turkey, actually two turkeys. You may have heard that the Butterball Turkey Company has a hotline you can call to receive advice on preparing your turkey or ideas on what to do with the leftovers. One man called to ask if it would be all right to roast a turkey that had been in his freezer for three years. The representative explained that if the turkey had never been defrosted it would probably be safe to eat but that the meat was not likely to taste the freshest. After thinking a little while, the man came up with an solution as to what to do with the turkey that was in keeping with his character. "I know what I'll do; I'll give it to the church." Now you know why I said that this is a story about two turkeys.
__________
Let me relate a widow story that contrasts with the widow featured as the heroine of our text. Agnes was a widow for many years, lived on her farm in Iowa and had one son. Agnes was one of those people whom you find at least one of in every community; she was mentally astute, yet, she came across as being kind of strange. She wore dowdy clothes which dated to the 1920s or '30s; though she was clean, she appeared rather unkempt. Agnes was something of a miser. To save on food, she attended every funeral in town so that she might enjoy the lunch afterward. She usually skipped worship but showed up for coffee time, shoveling the leftover cookies into her purse before she left. Whenever you would meet her on the street, she would launch into a tirade about the poor farmers and seek sympathy for her impoverished condition. At first, her pastor felt sorry for her, thinking that she was a poor widow. He even considered seeking financial help for her and so he talked with her son. He revealed that his mother was actually very wealthy, with an impressive portfolio of stocks and bonds. Yet, when the pastor suggested that her poor widow act was something of a charade, she became incensed. Actually, Agnes was a poor widow, not poor economically, but in the spirit of charity.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Ruth 3:1--5; 4:13--17 (C)
Recognizing the need for security, Naomi instructs Ruth in the proper customs of obtaining a suitable husband. She is told to bathe, anoint herself and put on her best clothes. Then she is to go and lie at the feet of Boaz, one of the near kin of her husband. Marriages were arranged by parents and Naomi is serving in this role. When Boaz awoke, he accepted the obligation of marrying Ruth, after purchasing Naomi's lot. Marriage was not a matter of romance but a business transaction. After Boaz and Ruth marry, Ruth bears a son. Some interpret verses 14--17 as a ceremony whereby Naomi adopts Ruth's child as her own, who replaces her dead sons. The book of Ruth assumes importance in the Old Testament canon because Ruth's son, Obed, is the grandfather of King David.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 17:10--16 (RC); 1 Kings 17:8--16 (E)
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:24--28 (C, RC, E)
Christ's sacrifice is the real thing (v. 24). The ceremonies conducted in the Jewish religion were mere prototypes or shadows of the heavenly reality. This text claims that Christ's offering of himself was not a copy but the real thing, that Christ interceded on our behalf not in a man--made temple, but heaven itself.
God offers himself for our sin (v. 26). Sin is serious business. It leads to death. In order to save us from the consequence of sin, God offered up his own life in the person of his Son.
The second coming of Christ (v. 28). Christ came to deal with sin through offering up his life as a sacrifice. When he returns, it will be to receive those who those who have accepted his salvation and to usher them into his eternal kingdom.
Gospel: Mark 12:38--44 (C, RC, E)
This gospel continues to portray the conflict between Jesus and the scribes. He warns against the prideful hypocrisy so characteristic of their behavior. They love to go about in long robes, pray pretentious prayers and like to be seen in the places of honor. They act piously but their behavior doesn't square with their image. "They devour widow's houses" (v. 40). For such spiritual sinning, they will receive a greater judgment than others. In contrast to their behavior, Jesus observes a destitute widow put all the money she had into the temple coffers. Though she gave practically nothing, it was more than the large sums of the wealthy. The two copper coins represented the giving of her whole self to God.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 127 (C) - "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain" (v. 1).
Psalm 146 (E)
Psalm 145 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Merciful Lord Jesus, we thank you for your compassion, which reaches out to the poor and those without any visible means of support. Make us also instruments for lifting up those laid low by the misfortunes of life. In Jesus' merciful name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Ruth 3:1--5; 4:13--17
Homemaker (v. 1). Naomi was a homemaker. She realized that Ruth needed a home and family and she regarded it as her responsibility to help her obtain it.
No generation gap (v. 5). Ruth explicitly and freely obeyed her mother--in--law. There was no generation gap then, because elders were respected as repositories of knowledge and wisdom. In our day, when young people are generally more knowledgeable concerning technology, those who set the tone for society seem to feel that other kinds of knowledge are insignificant. Unfortunately, they tend to discount the wisdom and knowledge that comes through experience.
Love child (v. 15). So many children today are not conceived in love. Obed was a love child, more the product of the love of two women than of a man and woman. Obed was particularly precious to Naomi because he was borne by a daughter she loved better than life itself. The love of these two woman led to life, for them and generations to come.
God of the gaps (v. 15). When the men in the lives of Naomi and Ruth died, it left a large gap in their existence. The word for "widow" means literally to be bereft, to be without, to have a large gaping empty space in one's life. Yet, these women trusted God to fill this gap, which he did in the fullness of time.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:24--28
He removes our sins away, not our life (v. 26). Jesus offered his life to God for us, so as to remove our sin, not our life.
An appointment you won't forget (v. 27). A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I had an appointment with our attorney to do some estate planning. He didn't show up. Few things bug me more than a missed appointment. The writer of Hebrews reminds us of a fact we would just as soon forget: We have an appointment with death. "It's appointed a person once to die...."
Final evaluation (v. 27). "...and afterward the judgment." Most anywhere you work or go these days, someone is either evaluating you or asking you to evaluate him. Good feedback is a prerequisite of constructive change. Evaluation is nothing more or less than critical judgment. The Bible speaks of the final judgment, which sends shivers up the spine for many people. It's true that those without faith will not be judged acceptable, but I think that we should view our final judgment as an evaluation to help us grow eternally.
Gospel: Mark 12:38--44
Playing for the house (vv. 38--40). Jesus accused the scribes of being actors, playing a part, not living the life of faith. Everything they did was calculated to impress the audience, to bring down the house with applause. They wore garish garments to gain notice and loved long prayers. Wherever they went, they searched for the most visible and honorable places. God despises phoniness!
Nothing but the best (v. 39). Movie magazines and Lifestyles Of The Rich and Famous on television showcase the sumptuous lifestyles of celebrities. Nothing but the top of the line is good enough for them. Millions of people of common means drool over their goodies, imagining what it would be like to have what they have, to live as they live. For the scribes that Jesus referred to, nothing but the best was good enough for them either. The best clothes, the choicest seats and the ultimate in respect and admiration. It's fine to want nothing but the best. The question is: Who defines what the best is? Is it God's word or is it the world?
Beyond the best (vv. 42--44). The widow didn't give merely her best to the Lord, she gave her all. She offered herself as a living sacrifice to God. What she had to give may not have been that much but it was beautiful to the Lord.
Jesus is watching what we give (v. 41). Church members often say that what I give is between God and me. I have a feeling that if a study were conducted comparing their offerings to that of the church population as a whole, the former group would contribute substantially less. Jesus apparently didn't feel that what God's people offer up to his work is a matter of indifference. Jesus situated himself opposite the temple treasury and observed what people placed in the chest. It's a rather discomfiting thought that Jesus is watching us as we put our offerings in the plate, especially if our gift is a mere token.
Sacrifice catches Christ's notice, not pretense (vv. 43--44). It's ironic that those who wanted to catch God's notice, and the attention of everyone else (the scribes), only earned Jesus' condemnation. But the widow, who quietly did her thing and gave all she had, found herself in the limelight. Jesus called attention to her giving because it was from the heart, the sacrifice of her very being. People may or may not notice such selfless giving but God does.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Ruth 3:1--5; 4:13--17
Sermon Title: Future Builders
Sermon Angle: Naomi was a builder of the future. She didn't live life just for herself but realized that it was her obligation to get the next generation established. That's why she came up with the scheme to unite Ruth with her kinsman, Boaz. Any society that does not give prime consideration to building the future for the next generations is derelict and will eventually self--destruct.
Outline:
1. Naomi felt bound to secure a home and a future for Ruth (v. 1).
2. God calls us to be future builders.
3. Because of her compassion and wisdom, their future was reborn (vv. 13--17).
4. What are we doing, individually and corporately, to build a future for the next generation?
Sermon Title: Winnowing Widow
Sermon Angle: The story takes place at the time of the barley harvest. Boaz and his helpers winnowed the grain in the evening, when the breezes blew from the Mediterranean Sea. When the winnowers would throw the grain into the air, the wind would blow away the lighter chaff from the more dense heads of grain. Separating that which is valuable and nourishing from that which is not goes on in all avenues of life. Naomi had done some winnowing for herself and had determined that Boaz was a worthy husband for Ruth. When Boaz found Ruth at his feet and determined that she wanted him to marry her, he also recognized that Ruth was no piece of chaff (3:11). A sermon on choosing your mate could be preached from this text. Many marriages fail because some people are willing to settle for chaff.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:24--28
Sermon Title: What Christ Accomplished For Us
Sermon Angle: Hebrews is big on Christology, relating what Christ has accomplished for us through his death and resurrection. Here are three things that Christ promises to accomplish for us.
Outline:
1. Christ intercedes on our behalf before God's throne (v. 24).
2. He offers himself as the final sacrifice for our sin (v. 26).
3. He will come to receive us to himself (v. 28).
Sermon Title: It Is Finished For Good!
Sermon Angle: The text contends that the sacrificial work of Christ does not need to be repeated (v. 25). One of the words Jesus uttered from the cross is "It is finished!" Even before the resurrection, Jesus was confident that everything that needed to be done for our salvation had already been accomplished. We cannot add anything or take anything away. All we can do is appropriate what Christ has already completed.
Outline:
1. When Jesus died on the cross, he cried, "It is finished!"
2. Jesus did not need to offer himself repeatedly (v. 25).
3. Sin has been dealt a fatal blow by his sacrifice (v. 26).
4. Do not think to add to Christ's sacrifice through your good deeds but accept by faith the finished work of Christ.
Gospel: Mark 12:38--44
Sermon Title: Beware Of Submerged Objectives
Sermon Angle: When you are boating, particularly in a river or close to the shoreline or adjacent to a coral reef, you have to be alert to submerged obstacles. It's not the things that you see which pose the greatest dangers but those you can't see. The same applies to religion. The lives of some religious folks glisten on the outside, like the head of Telly Savalas, but the inside is anything but pretty. Below the surface lies jealousy, lust and covetousness. Jesus warned the people of his day to "beware of the scribes" (v. 38); underneath the placid surface lurked a spiritual mine field.
Outline:
1. When boating, never lose sight of the dangers beneath the water.
2. Jesus warned, "Beware of the scribes...." Beneath the righteous surface lurked the monster of pride.
3. The scribes concealed their true self, even from themselves, but the monsters would surface (they devoured widow's houses) (v. 40).
4. Beware of submerged objectives in your life and remove them by God's grace.
Sermon Title: Living Without Social Security
Sermon Angle: With all the talk about containing the national debt and scaling back social security and welfare benefits, many people are troubled by the prospect of possibly living with little or no social security. In the First Lesson, the story of Ruth, Naomi secured social security by helping her daughter--in--law obtain a husband. The widow featured in the Gospel had no social security whatsoever. She was left to rely on the charity of others, her own hard work and, especially, the goodness of God. Jesus marvelled at her faith.
Outline:
1. Most of us are counting on social security for retirement.
2. Before the government stepped in, families provided social security.
3. Ruth and Naomi found social security in linking up with family.
4. The widow of the Gospel had no security except through her faith in the Lord.
5. Living without social security would be very hard but living without spiritual security would be tragic.
Sermon Title: A Case Study On Loving God
Sermon Angle: The Gospel for last Sunday featured the first and greatest commandment, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. This week's Gospel is a case study on what it means to love God in this way. The poor widow loved the Lord completely by entrusting to him everything that she possessed. Generally, if we trust God with our pocketbooks, we trust him with all the other arenas of our lives as well.
Outline:
1. In last week's Gospel, Jesus taught that loving God was the greatest commandment.
2. The story of the poor widow illustrates the principle of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
3. Letting loose of our money is generally an indication that we truly love God and are willing to let God have the rest of our lives as well.
__________
Being around the time of Thanksgiving, a member of the church I serve told me this story about a turkey, actually two turkeys. You may have heard that the Butterball Turkey Company has a hotline you can call to receive advice on preparing your turkey or ideas on what to do with the leftovers. One man called to ask if it would be all right to roast a turkey that had been in his freezer for three years. The representative explained that if the turkey had never been defrosted it would probably be safe to eat but that the meat was not likely to taste the freshest. After thinking a little while, the man came up with an solution as to what to do with the turkey that was in keeping with his character. "I know what I'll do; I'll give it to the church." Now you know why I said that this is a story about two turkeys.
__________
Let me relate a widow story that contrasts with the widow featured as the heroine of our text. Agnes was a widow for many years, lived on her farm in Iowa and had one son. Agnes was one of those people whom you find at least one of in every community; she was mentally astute, yet, she came across as being kind of strange. She wore dowdy clothes which dated to the 1920s or '30s; though she was clean, she appeared rather unkempt. Agnes was something of a miser. To save on food, she attended every funeral in town so that she might enjoy the lunch afterward. She usually skipped worship but showed up for coffee time, shoveling the leftover cookies into her purse before she left. Whenever you would meet her on the street, she would launch into a tirade about the poor farmers and seek sympathy for her impoverished condition. At first, her pastor felt sorry for her, thinking that she was a poor widow. He even considered seeking financial help for her and so he talked with her son. He revealed that his mother was actually very wealthy, with an impressive portfolio of stocks and bonds. Yet, when the pastor suggested that her poor widow act was something of a charade, she became incensed. Actually, Agnes was a poor widow, not poor economically, but in the spirit of charity.
