In Concert, Lombard, Illinois
WE are into week two of our concert tour across the United States. It is has been an extraordinary time, as we all sense the Spirit moving. In fact, once again, we are being followed by howling winds, just as it was in the last tour here. Perhaps it is a sign of John Paul II’s intercession, as strong winds would often accompany him.
The word I am consistently given in concert to speak to the audience is:
FAILURE. When it comes to the spiritual, we often feel like complete failures. But listen, Christ suffered and died precisely for failures. To sin is to fail… to fail to live up to the image in Whom we are created. And so, in that regard, we are all failures, for all have sinned.
Do you think Christ is shocked by your failures? God, who knows the number of hairs on your head? Who has counted the stars? Who knows the universe of your thoughts, dreams, and desires? God is not surprised. He sees fallen human nature with perfect clarity. He sees it’s limitations, its defects, and its proclivities, so much so, that nothing short of a Savior could salvage it. Yes, He sees us, fallen, wounded, weak, and responds by sending a Savior. That is to say, He sees that we cannot save ourselves.
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul, and with all your strength. (Deut 6:5)
IN living in the present moment, we love the Lord with our soul—that is, the faculties of our mind. By obeying the duty of the moment, we love the Lord with our strength or body by attending to the obligations of our state in life. By entering into the prayer of the moment, we begin to love God with all our hearts.
WE are two days into our concert tour, and continue to be plagued with setbacks. Malfunctioning bus equipment, flat tires, overflowing toilets, and tonight, we were turned away from the U.S. Border because we had CD’s with us (imagine that). Yes, didn’t Jesus say something about a cross we’re to pick up and carry?
MARK MALLETT IN CONCERT
OUR tour bus pulls away today as I launch a concert/speaking tour across parts of Canada and the USA.
You can follow the concert tour schedule here: TOUR SCHEDULE. As well, we have provided a map for you to follow the tour:
We know its going to be a powerful time—if the trials we’ve had beforehand are any indication. Our bus hasn’t even left the driveway, and we’ve already had $5000 in repairs the last two days!
Please check out the schedule and come out to an evening of music and word if we are in your area. Hope to see you there!
Mark
THE present moment is that place to which we must bring our mind, to focus our being. Jesus said, “seek first the kingdom,” and in the present moment is where we will find it (see The Sacrament of the Present Moment).
In this way, the process of transformation into holiness begins. Jesus said “the truth will set you free,” and thus to live in the past or the future is to live, not in truth, but in an illusion—an illusion which chains us through anxiety.