CNH: How could God allow these senseless shootings to happen, especially to innocent children?
Bishop Jugis: God wills only good in the world; and one of the greatest goods He has given us is the gift of freedom. People can use this freedom to do good or do evil. When horrific acts occur like what we’ve witnessed in Texas, it is contrary to God’s will. It is an act of evil. When God became man in the person of Christ, He entered into our world beset with abuses of freedom, evil and injustice. As seen on the cross, He is not a God indifferent to our suffering. He enters into our pain, our weakness and the ravages of sin. On the cross, in this great act of love, He shows us the way out of darkness and pain – lighting up for us the path of salvation, promising the righting of all wrongs, peace, and eternal life where there is no more possibility of sin and evil. Our Lord says to us, “I came so that (you) might have life and have it more abundantly.”
CNH: What words of comfort have you given people who have experienced such profound grief?
Bishop Jugis: The pain of loss is difficult in any circumstance. When it is an act of malice against innocent children, it is especially heartbreaking. In the face of such tragedy, there are only two things that can bring some measure of peace: our faith in God and the love we share with one another. Let us turn to both.
And let us pray for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and firmness of purpose to bring an end to such violence.
CNH: How should we respond as Christians to the increasing violence we are seeing happen around us?
Bishop Jugis: Peace begins in the heart. Our first responsibility is to make sure we never surrender this peace and allow darkness, isolation and discord to overcome us and, in turn, to those around us. Secondly, we can be more attentive and loving to our family members, friends and neighbors.
We must pray for God to give us the courage and charity needed to reach out and help those around us who may be succumbing to despair, who may be on the verge of breakdown – for their sake and the sake of others.
— Catholic News Herald