Welcome to the Friends’ Meditation Collection
Here you will find all of the monthly meditations we’ve sent to the Friends of the Center since the beginning of the program. Our hope is that this page will make it easy for you to refer back to these thought-provoking, short reflections written by a diverse community of contributors, including pastoral leaders, theologians, scholars, graduate students, and faithful members active in their churches and communities.
In addition to the chronological ordering of the meditations, you can search by the seasons of the liturgical calendar through the buttons to the right.
Immigration and Lament: Honesty in Suffering (Luke 18:23-25)
Dr. Robert Chao Romero
Dr. Romero is a historian and professor of Chicana/o Studies and Asian American Studies at UCLA. He is also an immigration attorney and ordained minister and works to engage students and the Church in issues of race, social justice, and Christianity.
This meditation reflects on the passage from Luke 18:23-25, using it as a lens to reconcile the current events and emotions we are experiencing in our world today.
What Moves God’s People to a Worshipful Experience?
Raquel Martínez
Raquel Martínez is a composer and arranger of Hispanic hymns, with degrees from University of Texas at El Paso and Southern Methodist University, and served as editor of the United Methodist hymnal Mil Voces Para Celebrar (1996).
This meditation highlights how diverse experiences can lead to a deep, worshipful connection with God.
In the Night He Was Betrayed
Dr. Justo L. González
Dr. González, is a Methodist minister, scholar in Historical Theology, author and educator whose contributions have helped shape Hispanic theological education and Christian historiography worldwide.
This sermon is a poetic illustration of the night Jesus was betrayed.
Connection with God
María Antonia Amao
María has served the Diocese of San Bernardino in catechetical and theological roles for over 20 years, is currently the Associate Director of the Ministry Formation Institute, and serves on the Board of Directors of AETH.
This devotional emphasizes the importance of silence and prayer in our time with God and is a great reminder of the importance of seeking God in mundane moments.