But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice. Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment, so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation. He 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. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood. Elijah has been told by God to go to Zaraphath where he will find a widow. The story then takes the dramatic turn by Elijah s asking her to give him a cake and some water. Because he is a holy man, she fills his order and thereby receives a year s supply of flour, oil and water as well as more of life.