Often it is the poor who are the most giving and generous. The widow of Zarephath and her son were near starvation. When the prophet Elijah asked her for food, she was distressed, but he assured her that there would be more than enough for her and the child. And so it was - the flour and oil never gave out. She did not withhold from God, so God did not withhold from her. A lesson for us - don't let fear prevent us from being generous and giving.

The Pharisees were no worse than anyone else, and certainly no worse than we are. Some fed on the marks of respect and privileges that religion brought, but we can see that tendency in all religions, including our own. One's faith should never be used for personal gain or inflating one's ego-- only for humble love and service. Jesus ended his talk by pointing out the poor widow who gave a small amount to the temple treasury. Her donation was greater than all the others because it cost her dearly - she gave what she did not have. The widow did not give in order to be praised and noticed, but out of love. She withheld nothing from God, and it is certain that God withheld nothing from her.