The Gospel this morning was of the woman who offered the two small coins – all she had to live on – placing them in the temple treasury. Is this not an image of Mary who  in offering the smallness of her own being, entirely and without reserve, received back the Author of Life himself – for herself and for the entire world?

Each of us is asked to give of ourselves, some more, some less, each according to the measure of God’s own giving to us. We may do so generously or stintingly, joyfully or sullenly. Our gift may be of straw, or wood, or silver, or gold. No matter. Each in our own way is building up the Body of Christ. The results will be revealed at the end of time – and it will be magnificent to see!

As for Mary and the poor widow – these are our models. They each gave all without counting the cost. And they each received their reward: the widow was given the highest praise possible by Jesus himself; and Mary was crowned queen of heaven and earth.