As Jesus warned the people against the behaviour of the scribes, he severely criticized their avarice, hypocrisy, false religiosity and exposed the inadequacy of their teaching. The example he cited on injustice done to the widows by the scribes and the crime of 'devouring widow's houses' reflected their abuse of hospitality and the exorbitant charges they demanded for their legal services. Jesus' warning against externalism in religion is also seen in today's context. As followers of Christ we need to examine ourselves on this.

Jesus used the widow's mite to show us how the wealthy gave out of their abundance but the poor widow out of her poverty gave everything she had. The poor widow received Jesus' approval. Her total surrender reflected that God himself is her security and such an act is a contrast to the world's value today. This also reminds us that total confidence in God is an essential element for discipleship. This widow also teaches us that we must give ourselves to God just for the sake of making an offering of ourselves and not so much to receive any favours, for God is our only security.

Similarly in the first reading which states that 'almsgiving preserves us from death' it implies that it purifies us from sin; it is better to give alms than to treasure up gold. We are challenged to see how we must take God as our sole security and surrender to God all we have in order to trust in His Divine Providence.