In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.”
He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”
Gospel Trivia:
There is a small trivia that makes a world of difference in appreciating this gospel: the poor widow gave TWO small coins. This is significant because the widow could have kept one of the coin, and given the other. Instead, she gave everything she had.
Widows are also often the poorest in society. Without a husband to take of the family, the widow often has to fend for herself and her family. Note also that scribes are not "paid" for exercising their profession, and relied on contributions from the members; yet some abused the generosity of some members, including that of widows.
Mark, the evangelist, paints the contrast between those who were possessed by material things, and the one who is detached and gave up all. Such is the requirement from a disciple.
Reference:
A Kingdom for All, pages 94-95.
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