He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’ (Mark 12: 41-44)

Mark is usually more interested in action than plot. But the Widow's Mite closes a chapter with a consistent theme.

We live in the creator's vineyard. But those entrusted with care of the vineyard have rejected their relationship with the creator. God is coming to claim what is due.

What do we owe the world? What is due God? "Give the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's."

What things are God's? God is due our love "with all your heart and all your soul, and with all your strength." And God expects that we will love our neighbor as ourself.

God is due "everything she had, all she had to live on."