Thoughts on being a Chaplain

Part of being a Chaplain something has nothing to do with faith or scriptures.  In Western culture, especially here in the USA we tend to be more concerned with "witnessing" and with "testimony" of those of faith.   As a Chaplain, it is more important for you to be there, being present than just "doing" what those wanting proof expect. 

two scriptures I find are helpful in explaining both aspects of a chaplain

14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 pIf a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 an one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good2 is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  James 2:14-17

This is the call that as a Chaplain, you need to provide action, not just stand and quote faith to those needing more than religious platitudes.

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and qwatch4 with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on.5 See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

When I first read this, it occurred to me that this was when Jesus just ask for three of his disciples to just be there, nothing more.   Something to think about in our daily interactions with others,  Sometimes we can do more to help the person and to serve God, by just being there and nothing more.   Think about that.