The episodes of Mary anointing Jesus feet with expensive oil and the widow offering a single mite teach us three elements of a true sacrifice: (1) It must be freely given without compulsion. (2) It must be completely and totally given with nothing held back. (3) It must be given at a cost. Christ's sacrifice far exceeds these criteria for a true sacrifice. Never has anyone ever sacrificed so much. May God help us to emulate the attitude of Jesus Christ.