Luke 21:3 — Community Reflections

LUKE 21:3 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:”

Truly I tell you, he said, this poor widow has put in more than all the others — more than all the others: the theological evaluation contradicts the financial reality. More (pleon) in the assessment that counts is the larger proportion, not the larger quantity.

Church Fathers on Luke 21:3

Our Lord having rebuked the covetousness of the Scribes who devoured widows’ houses, commends the almsgiving of a widow; as it is said, And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting into the treasury, &c.
Gloss (Glossa Ordinaria) · medieval compilation

In the Greek language, signifies to keep, and gaza in Persian means riches, hence gazophylacium is used for the name of the place in which money is kept. Now there was a chest with an opening at the top placed near the altar, on the right hand of those entering the house of God, into which the Priests cast all the money, which was given for the Lord’s temple. But our Lord as He overthrows those who trade in His house, so also He remarks those who bring gifts, giving praise to…
Bede · 8th century

She offered two oboli, which with the sweat of her brow she had earned for her daily living, or what she daily begs for at the hands of others she gives to God, showing that her poverty is fruitful to her. Therefore does she surpass the others, and by a just award receives a crown from God; as it follows, Of a truth I say to you, that this poor widow has cast in more, &c.
Cyril of Alexandria · 5th century

Read all 7 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

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