Mark 12:41-44

 41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched
the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw
in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper
coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said,
“I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the
others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in
everything—all she had to live on.”

Meditation
1. Jesus warned against those teachers of the Law who paraded themselves
openly, whose prayers were a pious show, and whose greed was so great
they would “devour widow’s houses”. Such men, Jesus said, “will be punished
most severely.” For contrast, Jesus praised a woman who freely placed her
last coins in the treasury.
2. What a study in values. The greedy rich man, who always wanted more, and
the poor widow willing to give all. The “great man” viewed with respect by
society, and the insignificant woman, held in high regard only by God.
3. While I may be neither rich nor poor, my choices are likely to be governed
by the values expressed by one of these two. Which of the two will I choose
to be most like?

Personal Note:
At times, I am more like the rich man and at other times I am more like the poor widow.  I pray that I would follow the example of the poor widow in giving to God.