In Mark 12, 38-44, we read of how Jesus reacted to the widow who put her two pennies in the temple treasury.  Often times, the sight of a homeless person, especially one who obviously suffers from a physical or mental disability, causes revulsion and even contempt in one who does not suffer similarly.  Such must have been true in the present case, when this woman, still clad in her garments of widowhood, stood in line with people who were richly dressed.  Her two pennies seemed pointless and ridiculous to those who witnessed her giving of them, but The Lord, who sees and knows the hearts of those who are rich with love, spoke up for her.  St. Ambrose, bishop of Milan (d. 397), spoke of the Lord's words in his little work on the subject of the Christian widow:

  "Generosity is not defined by the accumulation of possessions, but by the disposition of liberality.  Indeed, that widow, of whom The Lord said: 'This widow has put in more than everyone', was put forward as a model for all by the voice of The Lord.  In this, The Lord, in his characteristic manner, teaches all that no one should be restrained by shame at his poverty from making a contribution for assistance.  Nor should the rich flatter themselves that they seem to give more than the poor.  Money from a little man is richer than a treasure from the greatest man.  We should consider that it is not a matter of how much should be given as much as how much would be left over.  No one gives more than she who keeps nothing for herself."