"God himself would not permit evil in this world if good did not come of it for the benefit and harmony of the universe" - St. Thomas Aquinas
Father Francis said shortly after Jack was killed, that this wound was so big, so violent, that it goes beyond our beloved Jack. God will use that wound to shower many graces. Our wound is united to all the wounds suffered from the dramatic increase in gun violence. It shatters hearts, as families are never the same and friendships are suddenly lost.
Our hurt and loss, painful as it is, is not the end of the story. Jack was killed by a demonic force, but that is not the end of his story. Jack’s search for answers to the suffering in this world led him to a stronger faith. He grew in love for friends. He was intentional in how he spent his time, scheduling time for prayer, reading, and reflection. He was devoted to each and every one of his friends, fun and laughter ever present. He was radical, never conforming to the world, but somehow fitting right in. We miss him.
Jack’s death has given us the opportunity to transform our lives—to wake up in the most profound ways. How we respond to this moment of grace will inform the rest of our lives. Evil has entered our lives unexpectedly, and we must not allow ourselves to be overcome by the evil. We must seize the moment and support one another in choosing a life filled with self-sacrifice rather than the empty promises of self-fulfillment.
The Jack Shockley Warriors for Peace Foundation is created to support one another in making choices to grow in love and charity. Not necessarily to do great things, but to do even the smallest acts with great love. Jack’s radical love is with us always and forever.
No man is an island, entire of itself.
Every man is a part of the continent, a part of the main
