Church of the
Annunciation

Jesus rebukes some scribes who are experts in the law but use their office for their own personal gain at the expense of widows.  Jesus is within the temple complex near the Court of Gentiles and Court of Women by the Beautiful Gate. He sits down and observes people making offerings. Some offer substantial amounts. A widow drops two copper coins in the offering box. Jesus remarks that the woman gave more than all the rest. They offer from their surplus. She, from her poverty, offers from her very livelihood. Both widows (in the first reading and in the gospel) are models of sacrificial giving. But Jesus challenges us to mindful of the situation of widows, and of orphans and others on the margins of society who do not have the means of livelihood let alone sufficient funds to make an offering. Our compassionate concern for them is more than charity. It is a matter of justice.