Luke Pearson

Dear Friends,

Ten years ago, my two younger brothers and I decided to go up to the high school to play some football. My brothers and I would compete over the simplest and most arbitrary moments in our lives, and a friendly game of football was no exception. We would take turns being the Quarterback, while the other two would run routes and play defense. I was playing Quarterback and as I screamed “Go” one of my brothers pushed the other to the ground, and then easily caught the ball and ran it into the end zone. The one who was pushed was furious, as my middle brother did a touchdown dance and gloated by exclaiming, “I am the greatest! The youngest will always lose!” As soon as he said this my father walked up to the field with a man who I had never met before. My father called me over and informed me that the man’s family had just moved to our town, and he had a son who was very shy and in need of some new friends. I told the gentlemen to have his son come by tomorrow and we would be happy to throw around the football with him. The next day the boy arrived at the field, and we all had a great time together. The competitive fires that were imbued within us were completely diminished, as we made new friendships and enjoyed simply running around an empty field with the newest member of our community. 
 

In today’s Gospel reading, we see how competition can bring about behaviors of division and exclusion instead of reconciliation and participation. Jesus reminds his disciples that being the greatest is irrelevant compared to being the last, and fully dedicated to the service of others. He implores us to shift our gaze from individual desires and ambitions to welcoming all members of the community into our lives. When we live through these acts of inclusion we grow a closer relationship with God and with our fellow siblings of Christ. Our hearts are opened in the celebrated truth that only God is the greatest, and therefore we are constantly invited to love your neighbors as ourselves. 

God Bless,

Luke Pearson
Beloved in the Desert Episcopal Service Corps Member