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.
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.
Roots and Horizons: Living Lent from the Cross with the Hope of Resurrection
Dr. Jessica Lugo Meléndez
Dr. Lugo serves as Executive Director of the Association for Hispanic Theological Education (AETH), teaches theology and business, and is an ordained American Baptist minister committed to leadership formation and service.
This meditation is about Lent's call to embrace the cross and resurrection's transformative hope.
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.