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.
The Grace of Disillusionment
Dr. Emanuel Padilla
Dr. Emanuel Padilla, Assistant Professor of Theology and Ethics at Seattle Pacific University and a faculty member at Garrett–Evangelical Theological Seminary, is also the president of World Outspoken, a platform dedicated to theological education and cultural engagement, and co-host of the Mestizo Podcast.
A reflection on how disillusionment with both ourselves and our communities can become an unexpected expression of divine grace.
A Fishing Trip, Interrupted
Dr. Bo Adams
Dr. Bo Adams serves as the Margaret A. Pitts Distinguished Director of Pitts Theology Library, part of Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. Trained as a New Testament scholar, a software developer, and a librarian, he directs the collections, staff, and vision of Pitts Theology Library.
This meditation reminds readers that the resurrection is not merely a historical event, but rather a present reality that calls for transformative service in our world today.
Anticipating Pentecost with Mary
Joseph E. Gorra
Joseph E. Gorra is a frequent contributor to Biola University’s Lent and Advent devotional projects. His additional writings have also appeared on ChristianityToday.com, VeritasLifeCenter.org, and in the Journal of Spiritual Formation & Soul Care.
This meditation explores positioning ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit and embrace God’s “new beginnings,” following Mary’s example.
Thomas: A Villain of Faith or Hero of Doubt?
Dr. Fernando Cascante
Dr. Cascante, who holds advanced degrees in Christian Education and former director of the Justo and Catherine González Resource Center, has also held the role of Executive Director of AETH and currently serves as a senior consultant with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.
This meditation is about Thomas, the ‘doubting disciple,’ shows that doubt is crucial for a deeper, more practical faith.