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.
Welcoming Jesus
Dr. Eric Barreto
Dr. Barreto is a Baptist minister and New Testament scholar, serving as the Frederick and Margaret L. Weyerhaeuser Associate Professor of New Testament at Princeton Seminary and a leader in the Hispanic Theological Initiative.
This meditation encourages fresh perspectives on Advent and Christmas stories, inviting new interpretations of Jesus's birth.
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.