Ep 3: Practices to Prevent Civil War (with Drew Jackson)

Apocalypse, refusing to cling, and eyes to see the image of Christ everywhere...

If you've been around Pastors, Priests and Guides in any way, you have been blessed and stretched and provoked and taught by Drew Jackson's prophetic wisdom and poetry. He is humble and fearless and has shaped our retreat community in so many ways. We wouldn’t be the same without him.

Drew currently works as the Director of Mission Integration for the Center for Action and Contemplation, and has released two incredible books of poetry: God Speaks Through Wombs and Touch the Earth.

Episode 3

In this Practice to Prevent a Civil War episode, Drew reminds us that we’re living in apocalyptic times. Not in terms of crazy, end-times predictions…but “apocalypse” comes from a Greek word which means “to pull the lid off something”. We are living in a time that is uncovering and revealing reality. And what is the invitation? To see with new eyes and live differently in light of it.

While reflecting on the cracks in the American empire, Drew challenges us to participate in the paschal mystery and refuse to cling to the world that is passing away. But it’s not all doom and gloom! As we refuse to cling and walk with those who are suffering, we look forward in hope to the new world that may get born in its place. Refuse to cling. Walk with those on the margins. Look for new life. Amen and amen.

A Practice

To help anchor our souls in foundations that cannot be shaken, Drew teaches a breath prayer based on Colossians 3: “Christ is all and is in all.” This practice helps him move throughout the day remembering his divine identity…and the divinity of everyone he meets. It focuses his eyes beyond the surface, beyond the headlines, beyond the political ideology…and into deeper Reality. Every single person we meet is made in the image of God and infinitely loved. Just like Drew. Just like you. Just like that person who drives you crazy.

Please join us in this breath prayer. While breathing in we say “Christ is all”…and while breathing out we say “and is in all.” Let your prayer be as simple as your breathing. And as you settle into this practice, let the words sink beyond your conscious thoughts and down into your heart and body. Christ is all. Christ is in all. Let it flow in and out of your lungs…receiving this truth fully into your body, and then giving it all back to the universe. Christ is all. Christ is in all. Amen.

Grace and peace,
Aaron and the PP&G Team

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