For Those Left Behind
Rosalie Marschall
San Francisco, California I had been lost and away from the Church for a long time. During much of that time, I belonged to an Eastern Meditation cult group led by a demanding and controlling guru. Through a chain of events which I'm sure was the work of the Holy Spirit, I returned to my beautiful Catholic faith.
I began praying for the others who were left behind in the cult (spiritual, idealistic people with the best of intentions who continued to be misled by the guru).
I prayed often that he would let them go.
As it turned out, he died. When I prayed that the guru would let his followers go; I certainly hadn't intended for him to die, but that's what happened. I had been very careful not to wish him ill. I was hoping he'd just disband the organization.
I spoke to a priest about it in confession because I felt strangely responsible. The priest assured me that the man's death was a blessing for his misled followers. He also added that it was "a tough one" and to pray for the deceased guru, which I did. I realize now, after seeing his followers, that no matter what choices they make for themselves they really are better off. They have regained their free will.