Drew Jackson, Ep 3: Sabbath as Resistance

The final part of a three-part conversation on Mystery, Solidarity, and Resistance.

In this final episode with Drew Jackson, he brings all three themes together and invites us to truly see. Sabbath, in his words, “is an invitation to see. To see differently. To see rightly. To see who we are and who we are in relation with God and our neighbor.” Let’s jump in…

And as always, listen to the extended version at the Between Retreats Podcast. (This one includes a second poem, plus ten minutes of additional conversation)

A few questions for reflection…

First, what most difficult about practicing Sabbath in your life and family? What is your biggest challenge? And similarly, when you have experimented with Sabbath rest, what did you notice? How do you sense a hunger or longing for rest these days?

Second, much of this conversation centered on the communal aspect of Sabbath. How can we rest when our sisters and brothers cannot? Sabbath is always tied to justice and God’s dream for all of humanity. So Drew offered an important question:

What then needs to change so that everyone can rest?

Let’s prayerfully sit with that question this week. We cannot wait to rest until all is right in the world. But can we “rest in a conscious way?  Awake to the realities that are keeping their neighbors from their rest...and moving toward them in solidarity to say 'What needs to change so you can rest too?'" (Drew Jackson)

Third, Drew read his poem “Wishes”—a reflection on the rich man and Lazarus. Would you consider re-reading this parable in Luke 16, and then re-listen to the poem. Maybe a couple times. What do you notice? Do you sense God nudging you in a particular way? Do you sense any kind of invitation?

If you feel something stirring, keep coming back to this poem and text all week. Let it speak. Please speak, O God, your servants are listening.

Finally, join us on March 27th, 12pm EST, for an Instagram Live with Drew! We’ll talk through all three of these episodes…and whatever else comes up! Please come with questions or reflections so we can keep learning and exploring together.

We can’t do everything, but we can’t do nothing. What is ours to do?

Grace and peace.