Of Widows and the Rich

Gospel: Luke 21: 1-4

Jesus provides this story to teach us a lesson that authentic charity costs something to the one who gives.  It must affect our need as well as our wants.  In the case of the rich it is never the case that their donations affect them much at all.  They have all they will ever need and few, if any, of their wants are affected by the donations they provide.  Moreover, the rich will likely take a tax deduction that will enable them to receive a later refund on this "gift."  They will also publicize their largesse in order to monetize their apparent charity.

On the other hand, those of lesser means often give up most of their wants and some of their needs in order to help others.  It is a hardship for them to help another, but they do so because they themselves know what it is to be in need of help from another.  They themselves may be in need even now, but also realize that another's need is greater than their own.  So, those of lesser means readily come to the aid of those even less fortunate than themselves, as this widow does.

This poor widow stands as an indictment to both the rich and the temple itself.  The rich do not even see her as they parade their wealth to the temple.  Her need is utterly unseen by them.  Moreover, the temple that stands as a symbol for an entire religious institution founded to help widows and the poor will receive the donations of many, but use it not to help the widow but for its own aggrandizement.  The true temple of God - the one in real need - is the widow herself.