Gospel
Mass Lectionary · GospelLuke 21:1–4
Looking around, he saw the wealthy putting their donations into the offertory.
Then he also saw a certain widow, a pauper, putting in two small brass coins.
And he said: “Truly, I say to you, that this poor widow has put in more than all the others.
For all these, out of their abundance, have added to the gifts for God. But she, out of what she needed, has put in all that she had to live on.”
Prayer on Fire Gospel Lesson
He looks up and sees the rich putting gifts into the treasury, and a poor widow putting in two small coins. Truly, she put in more than all of them. They gave out of abundance. She, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on.
Where this sits
This follows the warning about scribes who devour widows' houses. The widow is the contrast, standing in the same temple.
More
The measure is not the amount. It is what it cost. The rich gave what they would not miss. She gave the money she lived on. He calls that more.
What to take
He sees the gift the treasury does not value. Offering is measured by what remains, not by what is seen.
Original – Prayer on Fire
Gospel of the Day · Text: Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV) · Mass Lectionary · Gospel