John Allen is a 2009 grad of St, Vincent College in Latrobe PA, and a supporter of Father Mark Gruber, in the insanity that has surrounded him.
He has written a heart felt reflection, and not just heart felt, but the reflection of a man of deep faith, and trust in Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He spoke of words that Father Mark said to him personally, and which though repeated below, are so profound that I am repeating them here to set the stage for the reflection that follows.
“No man is just, except Jesus our Savior,” Father Mark spoke to me several months ago, “and while I’m certainly not guilty of this crime, we all deserve any sufferings short of the fires of hell, simply for being a sinner on this earth.”What a grace filled statement by a man who in the midst of this terrible trial still trusts the God who died to save him and us all, and in His Divine Mercy. John was clearly touched by Father's faith even in the midst of this awful trial:
I would like to offer a reflection on the events recently disclosed but have long been present in the hearts of those involved for more than a year. Often I am inspired to write for the cause, but my words fall short of expression, my heart loses hope of affecting real change, my mind becomes embittered by the never-ending struggle and persistent evil. My greatest trial has been to contemplate God’s role in this disaster, in this crucifixion of a man. It is but empty words to say reassuringly that God will bring about a greater good from all this pain. The God of our faith is not compelled to right all wrongs, though in His Providence, good will inevitably triumph over evil, this is not necessarily true in our own lives. God is free to test us as Abraham was tested, “to the end of his strength.” For us there are some tests that we cannot suffer, some burdens we do not bear as gallantly as Christ our Savior. The saints and martyrs that follow our Savior, and have gone before us, never saw in this life the resurrection of their cause. Only our faith, which by the grace of God may remain unshaken, reveals to us a future longing where “every tear shall be wiped away.”I am reminded in what Father Mark said, and in John's reflection of a vision that came to me one night. As the individual in the vision stood on a rock in a lake, a terrible storm swirled all about. There was thunder, lightning, and rain, and waves were crashing all around, but the person standing on the rock was unharmed by it all, and lifted his eyes and his hands to heaven and prayed for God to save him. Father Mark has effectively done this in this trial.
As Father Mark’s case begins to swing toward resolution, yet while victory is still uncertain, we should do well to contemplate the martyrdom that has taken place and the trials on the road ahead, and ask ourselves where we are going. I am certain that neither Father Mark nor any of his closest community would be as arrogant as to say we deserve or demand justice. Certainly we hope to empower justice, we long for it, we hope for its coming, and we pray that Father Mark’s justice in this case be revealed. But we dare not presume it in our own lives. “No man is just, except Jesus our Savior,” Father Mark spoke to me several months ago, “and while I’m certainly not guilty of this crime, we all deserve any sufferings short of the fires of hell, simply for being a sinner on this earth.” I was so emotionally struck, and still am, by his blunt and humble acceptance of the cross which was forced upon him that it serves to truly renew my faith. Not my faith in the Church, in the world, in Abbots or monasteries, in priests or bishops, in laypeople or colleges, but in God’s presence among us. Surely, if the message of Christ could come to the lost and forsaken of the world in such a real and life conforming way, perhaps Christ could come to me.
For anyone who might have questions as to the suitability of Father Mark proceeding legal restitution, please be assured of my utmost conviction of his holiest intentions. For his own sake he might suffer, but for the sake of those who hold his name and reputation in so high regard, Father Mark will continue to work to bring about the truth. No man is compelled to suffer the agony of defamation, especially when it is so integrally tied to those whom he has ministered and mentored. It is entirely natural, just, and appropriate that Father Mark bring his case against defendants who consistently have resisted all other avenues of resolution. Until that resolution is final may we pray that the martyrdom of our friend Father Mark bear fruitful change to the world so corrupted and void of Christ. May through your prayers and support, the faith and hope of all involved in this legal effort will be rejuvenated, and our encounters with Christ in each other will be blessed.
Let us continue to intercede for him.
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