In the Gospel passage, Jesus draws the contrast between the temple contributions made by the rich and the widow. The poor widow contributes what seem to be, in the eyes of others, two insignificant coins for the temple treasury. In contrast, the rich are seen to be giving much.

Jesus reminds his disciples that the gift is not measured on its amount but by the giver's generosity, which depends not on the amount itself but in each one's relative means. When the rich give out of their abundance, they give little. When the poor widow gives out of her poverty, she gives all she has, which is more than all the gifts of the rich combined. In other words, Jesus makes it clear that it is not what a person gives that expresses his or her generosity, but what one keeps for him or herself.

Today would be a good time to examine your attitude towards giving to God. Do you give generously? Do you give cheerfully? The scene in the first reading presents the 144,000 who bear the mark of the Lamb. They are ones who have been purified and dwell without sin on the holy mountain of God. For "in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault." Perfection and holiness are characteristics of the true people of God redeemed by the Lamb. Indeed, it is through selfless and generous giving of oneself to God in all areas of one's life that a person will be judged at the end of time.