ISB ~ Luke 21 v2

two copper coins:Literally, “two lepta”. These were the least valuable (Jewish) coins in circulation. Within the Temple precincts, there were over a dozen receptacles for different types of donations (CCC 2544).

• Allegorically (St. Bede, In Marcum): the widow’s offering signifies the purity of the Church in contrast to unfaithful Jerusalem, which gives to God only from its surplus. The Church is the widow whose husband, Christ, has died on her behalf. She lives in poverty of spirit and gives devoutly to the Lord’s treasury the two coins of charity— the love of God and neighbor.