HOLY BINOCULARS

At the beginning of each school year, I get up in front of students and faculty to talk about the role of a Chaplain. This is important, because some may assume I am simply the person that prays or teaches religion classes. And, yes, I do both of those things. However, I also have my heart set on something grander. 

One year I spoke about caring for each heart on campus, while also caring for the big heart that is Berkeley. Another year I spoke on the importance of walking with each student and faculty member on their spiritual journey, wherever they may be.

But, this year, a different image came to mind – this set of binoculars.

I borrowed these from my 8-year-old son, Felix. He loves these things. Felix often has them on him in the car, glancing out the window into the world, seeing what’s beyond just a bit more close-up.

Binoculars came to mind because, in some ways, that is my role – to be binoculars for us. To be someone who, in every situation, helps us to see the presence of God, a higher power, the great “beyond” force, a bit more closely. Perhaps to help focus those lenses a bit.

If I am being an effective pair of binoculars to the holy, I am helping us to see that God is not justbeyond, but here, there, and everywhere.

God in the classroom, as we are learning or taking a quiz or in conversation. 

But also in between classes, as we are laughing or chatting or walking.

The God that is there while we are competing in sports, or performing on stage, or playing the instrument, or having the debate.

But also when we are alone or in a small group or as a whole school gathered.

The holy is here on campus, outdoors, indoors, in the Gabos Recital Hall, in the Jean Ann Cone library, in the Straz. 

The God that is also with us on the way to the junior parking lot, on the road, in our homes, in restaurants, with our families.

But also in the food we eat, the water that nourishes us, the sweat or tears or nerves or excitement we feel. 

The God that is in the midst of both celebration and tragedy - even with us on a ho-hum Monday. 

The role of a Chaplain, in many ways, is to be the binoculars that help us see the holy, especially when it may seem the holy is not to be found. 

And, if I am living into my role effectively, we share these binoculars, being the lens for one another, a vision of hope and peace and love.

One way to look through these binoculars is to gather together for prayer on a regular basis. 

We will begin that once again this week during Thursday Morning Prayer, as many of our student-leaders guide us through Scripture, reflection, poetry, music and prayers. 

May we all begin to see the holy a bit more clearly, and then, help bring God into focus for others.