Schaubert opens his book quoting Jesus from the Christian gospel of Mathew i.e. Matt 25: 40 – 45. I’m not quoting it here, as one can easily find the verses on google. For those unaware of the gospels, there are four gospels written by four of the Lords (Jesus) disciples Mathew (Matt), Mark, Luke and John. The verse Schaubert quotes, Jesus ends on least of these. It troubles him that Jesus did not specify who the least of these are. Thus Schaubert goes on to discuss who indeed are these least? This is the bedrock premise of his discourse. To Schaubert the verse reads the least of these least. Following on from that he continues with real life experiences explaining what Jesus could possibly mean. In effect he also exposes man’s hypocrisy and bias today, not much different from Jesus’s time.

Most of us are fortunate not to have suffered hardship or extreme distress in life. Maybe some have, but have emerged from it stronger. Those who don’t, have sadly fallen off the wagon. Schaubert discusses how we the fortunate, are biased towards our less fortunate brethren. We often fail to appreciate the effect of suffering or trauma on our fellow men. Consequently, this failure is reflected in our charitable actions. Schaubert goes on to demonstrate this truth while arguing for a change of heart. He goes even further. In each chapter he specifically deals with the sociological issues plaguing the USA and applying this phrase to cure or heal society.

I loved how Schaubert expanded on this one verse to expound with clarity on the subject of giving. As a Christian I would have loved to see him use other verses in the Bible that support what he says. Sadly, he hasn’t. Had he done so the book would have been more of a theological discourse. Choosing not to, opens his book to a wider audience. True it’s a spiritual book and willlikely fall in the Christian genre. Yet there is no reason why those of other faiths could not discuss this profound premise. Frankly even an atheist should find the book provocative. After all, Schaubert appeals not merely to Christians but to all humanity. He is justifying why everyone of us regardless of our beliefs should ponder on this urgent cry.

Least of These Least by Lancelot Schaubert is more than a mere spiritual or sociological discourse. It’s not even a sermon. Its an insight into what Jesus could possibly truly mean by the three words least of these. The addition of one more least to the three words emphasises Jesus’s meaning. All will make sense when you read Schaubert’s book, a plea to everyone of us to dig deep and reach out to the least of the least, go that extra mile with them repeatedly if necessary. This tour de force is a clarion call to mankind to rally and help the worlds least.

As I finished Schauberts book I knew in my heart that he is proven right. True he is examining American society and its goodwill. But the problems exist in every society though certain circumstances vary from nation to nation. Of course, I would ask all readers to do their own due diligence. What a different world we would live in if, as he suggests we sat up and took notice of the least of these least in a different way? Imagine genuinely listening to them and gaining their trust. Yes, it requires time and patience but there would be such transformative change in societies the world over. The least of these least would know unconditional love. A new revolution leading to a new world. As I briefly scan Schauberts bio I realise why he chose to make this stand.

Thank you Schaubert for finding the courage to speak up for the least of these least. Thank you too for sharing your insight with us. Doubtless, there will be many barbs cast in your direction for your blunt honesty. Nevertheless, it’s well overdue, 2000 years at the very least.