31. From this treasure, then, not only the three
gifts of the Magi but also the two mites of the widow are taken, on
which the perfect image of the heavenly King shines forth, the
brightness of His glory and the image of His substance. Precious,
too, are those hardly earned gains of chastity which the widow gives of
her labour and daily task, continually night and day working at her
task, and by the wakeful labour of her profitable chastity gathering
treasure; that she may preserve the couch of her deceased husband
unviolated, be able to support her dear children, and to minister to
the poor. She is to be preferred to the rich, she it is who shall
not fear the judgment of Christ.