In our first and gospel readings, we hear inspiring stories of two widows.
In the midst of famine, Elijah met the widow of Zarephath, he instructed her to give him water and a little cake but she replied, there is only a handful of flour and a little oil… to go in and prepare… for myself and my son.” Elijah told her, “Do not be afraid. Go and do as you propose…” She left and did as Elijah had said. She was able to eat for a year together with her son, the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.
 
In the gospel, Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all other contributors to the treasury.” Why? Because this widow gave “from her poverty, all she had her whole livelihood.”
What spiritual lessons can we take away from these widows?
The widow in our first reading listened to Elijah the servant of the Lord and obeyed. One significant lesson, to be humble and listen to the messenger or servant of the Lord of our time. Jesus said, if they listen to you, they are actually listening to me (Christ Jesus). The widow out of faith practiced generosity in the midst of little.
God sustained her little flour and oil for a whole year and they survived the famine period. As the Psalmist said, “The LORD keeps faith forever, gives food to the hungry, the fatherless and the widow he sustains.”
The widow in the gospel according to Jesus, put into the treasury/collection from all she had to live on. She gave generously. She is a model of generosity. It’s true that like this widow what God wants from us is not much. God wants just a little more of your gift, time for prayer, worship, bible study, meditation, talents and skills. 
 
Real giving must be sacrificial. The amount of the gift is not important as much as the cost to the giver, not the size but the sacrifice. She gave everything she had. From a spiritual point or dimension, is there any part of your life that you are refusing to offer/give/sacrifice or surrender to Christ, a life style or behavior/attitude?
Both widows demonstrated tremendous/great faith in the LORD. They put their faith in the LORD and the Lord responded by providing for them from his abundance. 
Today some are worried, afraid of the future because they feel they do not have enough. It’s not that they don’t have at all, but they feel what they have is small. Elijah the servant of the Lord, is saying do not be afraid. Trust and have faith in the LORD because the Lord is alive and from his abundant resources he can sustain you for the rest of your life.
Hebrews tell us that Jesus Christ the true high priest, suffered and died to take away our sins. He is now at the right of God and will come again to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him, with a generous heart, deep faith and trust.