My Easter was spent in Toronto, with folk that some would call "the least of these". After spending four days in their company, I have struggled with what my perception of "the least of these" actually is. For the most part, my family are people who are hardworking and live a fairly comfortable live. They all have dependable cars; some of them have two. They all have beautiful homes with all of the latest conveniences. From a worldly perspective, I would say that they really live the good life. My companions, over the Easter weekend, however, have caused me to rethink just how fortunate these, my siblings, really are. As a virtual stranger, I was met with love and generosity by Toronto's poorest citizens. These people scraped by with next to nothing, but were still more than willing to share what they had. The preciuos little in the way of luxury was shared with everyone. What an example of God's provision and what we are supposed to do with it. My siblings, on the other hand, covet what they have and what each other has. They spend a good deal of their energy and money trying to make sure that none of them has something that the other doesn't. Nothing is shared, and definately not shared with anyone outside their immediate families or circle of intimate friends. Even some in the family are not allowed inside this privilaged circle. At The Salvation Army 614 Corps, I see what family is all about. It is taught to me by people who are unrelated, except as part of God's family. These people, love on each other, share with each other and support one another in ways that I have never before experienced. Their love and support does not depend on what they can get from each other, but it is based on the simple fact that God loves them, and commanded them to love one another. The big difference between them and my siblings is that they know God on a personal level, and for the most part, my siblings never even think about God, nor do all of them claim to even believe in God. It is hard to learn what true love is all about, when you deny the One who created it. So, to me, it is my siblings, and those like them, who are "the least of these" and not those financially strapped people that I spent my Easter with. I can think of no greater destitution, than the poorness of soul and spirit which is their lot. So, my friends, I praise God for the lessons He taught me through Easter. Mostly, I thank Him for the love and grace that was extended to me by those who most of society look down on. I am eternally grateful for the faith and service of my daughter, who leads me to those places of instruction and increase. Through her, I am learning to see the world through more Godly eyes. I am thankful, even for my own poverty, as because of it, I am able to understand what real love, giving and grace really are. May God richly bless you all with things that really matter...and, for your enjoyment, a few that don't. Love in Christ, Jude