Lesson of the widow's mite

The Gospel of Mark specifies that two mites (Greek lepta) are together worth a quadrans, the smallest Roman coin.

A lepton was the smallest and least valuable coin in circulation in Judea,[2] worth about six minutes of an average daily wage.

'"[4]The traditional interpretation of this story tends to view it as contrasting the conduct of the scribes with that of the widow, and encouraging generous giving; it is often read with 2 Corinthians 9:7, "... for God loves a cheerful giver".

[6] They connect this story with Jesus' condemnation of religious leaders devouring the houses of widows in the preceding verse (Gospel according to Luke, chapter 20).

He points out that earlier, in Mark 7:10-13, Jesus takes to task the scribes and Pharisees for a hypocrisy that would impoverish parents.

"In the passage immediately prior to Jesus taking a seat opposite the Temple treasury, he is portrayed as condemning religious leaders who feign piety, accept honor from people, and steal from widows.

"[10] Quesnell notes that if Jesus' statement was to be seen as an endorsement of the widow's action, it bears none of the usual comments, such as "Go, and do likewise."

The account of the Widow's Mite is followed by, "As he was making his way out of the temple area one of his disciples said to him, "Look, teacher, what stones and what buildings!"

From the words of our Lord spoken in praise of the poor widow, we learn that in our good works everything depends upon the intention.