Luke Pearson

Dear Friends,

Last month, my two friends and I finished our year serving in the Beloved in the Desert program through the Episcopal Service Corps. It was a year of many changes, challenges, and celebrations for all three of us. None of us had ever been to the Southwest before and we barely knew anyone, including each other, when we came to Tucson last July. Furthermore, we had to commit ourselves to complete our year of service amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

When my service corps members and I arrived at the Beloved house for our first day we were all a bit apprehensive for our year together. We were nervous about living in an intentional community with each other, starting our new work placements for local nonprofits, and maintaining our health during the pandemic. During our first afternoon together, one Beloved even stated, “I have only been in Tucson for a couple of hours, and I am already scared of how COVID-19 will affect this community, especially those who are poor or marginalized.” This fear was legitimate, and it was a constant reminder to us all during our time with Beloved in the Desert. 

We knew that we could not control the pandemic on a global level. None of us were doctors or nurses who could assist with finding a vaccine. We were not politicians who could effect policies to control the spread of the disease. We were simply three young Christians who wanted to deepen our faith through service to our church and community at large. 

Although, there were situations that we could control to make this a safe and fulfilling year. We engaged fully with each other by living in an intentional community. We prayed, ate, talked, and laughed together on a daily basis. We ensured that we were always wearing masks whenever we left the house and got tested for COVID regularly to ensure that we had not contracted or spread the virus. Finally, we did not shy away from our responsibilities at our work placements at the nonprofit sites. Some of us helped ensure that families were fed and had a roof over their heads. While others assisted spiritual communities provide safe spaces for individuals to worship from a distance. There was a lot of work to be done, and we wanted to commit ourselves fully to living out our faith as best as we could.

In today’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus foretells the Kingdom of Heaven in the parable of the sprouting fig tree. Christ states that we must always be vigilant of the different seasons of our lives, and that God is working within the midst of each of those seasons. Jesus acknowledges the fact that there will be suffering, anxiety, and pain throughout the world. However, in this parable Jesus provides us with hope when he states, “Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and the stand before the Son of Man.” 

Christ recognizes our fears and doubts that weigh down on all our hearts. God is emphatic with the truth that we will all one day have to endure pain or grief in different ways. Although we are reminded to always be alert for where God’s grace spouts throughout these periods of darkness. 

When we as a community of faith come together through love and perseverance, the Kingdom of Heaven is seen more clearly. Even if the Beloved in the Desert year were cancelled due to COVID, God’s love would sprout for us in a new direction. Now, my siblings in Christ, let us prepare our hearts and minds for the summer season ahead. 

Blessings,
Luke Pearson