A Widow’s Mite.

(Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4).

The “widow’s mite” that had become an aphorism, is narrated concordantly by two Evangelists: Saint Mark and Saint Luke. There was a treasury, or a large collection plate, located in the so-called “women’s section” of the temple where benevolent people placed their donations. It was customary to donate generously before the feast day of Pascha: everybody entering the temple placed a donation on the plate, according to his means and zeal. Many wealthy individuals donated large sums, while the widow gave two mites. A “mite” was the lowest currency denominator — equal to a quarter of one cent: two mites equaled the lowest of Roman coin, which was called “quadran.” The Lord stated that this poor widow “has put in more than all,” i.e. not in the amount but in comparison with the others, of her means. All the others gave from a surfeit that would not disadvantage them, whereas she dedicated to God all that she had.