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.
Beholding the Faith of Yesterday, Today, and Mañana
Dr. William Yoo
Dr. Yoo is a Professor of American Religious and Cultural History at Columbia Theological Seminary.
This meditation examines how an understanding of church history can illuminate and inspire the pursuit of justice today.
O Magnum Mysterium: The Nacimiento Tradition in the Barrio
Dr. Renata Furst
Dr. Furst is an Old Testament scholar, particularly interested in teaching, human formation, and spiritual direction from an intercultural perspective. She is at Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas where she serves as Associate Dean for Hispanic Engagement.
This meditation is a contemplative experience linking the ancient mystery of Christ's birth to the barrio community.
Advent
Dr. Alicia Vargas
Dr. Vargas currently serves as an Associate Professor of Multicultural and Contextual Ministry Studies at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.
This meditation is about Advent as a hopeful waiting for Christ’s coming and the light that brings peace, justice, love, and joy.
Stories of Remembrance: The Theology of Community Memory
Dr. Sarah Farmer
Since 2022, former professor Dr. Farmer has served as the Associate Director at the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion.
This meditation highlights remembrance as a sacred practice connecting faith, history, and hope through shared stories of divine action.