Love at the Core Meditations

Thomas famously doubted. He had the opportunity to touch a miracle, and he did it. We can do it, too, if we look for evidence of God's miracles in our world.

Let us give thanks today for the quiet ones who faithfully go about the business of following Jesus.

Today, we celebrate all the saints.

There is a struggle between good and evil. Angels are the warriors who inspire us to become agents of justice and mercy in this broken world.

The fact that Jesus could reach Matthew shows us that nobody is beyond the saving grace of God.

Today we fix our focus on the cross itself, a symbol of execution, terror and pain for the most precious person who ever lived. We think of what it means that Jesus went through all of that for us, and how that suffering was not the last word.

Rather quiet in the Gospels, St. Bartholomew was anything but quiet after witnessing the resurrection. He witnessed to the life of Jesus in faraway, unfamiliar lands until dying a martyr's death.

Her pain was extraordinary, her faith more so. Mary is defined by much more than the title we give her as she lived a life so entwined with the life of Jesus.

We always want to capture the moment, to take the cell phone picture, to take something wonderful and document it. That's going to happen, but... when something beautiful happens in your life, don't be afraid to just be present.

One of greatest and most tragically misunderstood saints, Mary Magdalene suffered from mental health issues and physical ailments as well. But she was healed by Jesus, and she practiced wellness by staying close to Jesus. Mary Magdalene is an amazing role model for all who suffer from mental health issues -- that is, for all of us. Be well. Be well with God.

This commemoration is especially important in this era as it celebrates two people who argued, who disagreed, who had serious and deep differences -- but who engaged with one another, respected one another, and lived in loving service to the Lord. May we all meditate upon their example.

Doubting God can silence us. Trust in God and allow God to speak through you!

We are thankful for our friends, for those who make us feel connected, loved, understood. Saint Barnabas brought Paul to the early Christians, and in his public display of trust he allowed those formerly persecuted to accept Paul and move the church forward.

Today we consider the incomprehensible -- including that we were made for the sheer joy of it.

The Holy Spirit allows us to become so much more than we were before. This Holy Breath sends us out to tell the story in many languages, even non-verbally, with capabilities we didn't realize we have.

Celebrate the beginning of new life!

You are to be the hands and feet of the Lord. Your time is now.

Regarding certainty: One thing that is for certain is that you are not required to be.

Mark helped to show us how to do God's will together even when we disagree.

This is just the beginning!

The darkest day of the year. What is it that makes it good?

Mary agreed to do the impossible for God.

Read an additional meditation on Joseph here: http://www.loveatthecore.org/blog/joseph/

"Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return." Remember this truth, and then you can begin the journey to the miracle of the resurrection

Thanks be to God for our elderly. Let us cherish them for their wisdom and their insight. Oftentimes, they see things that we do not see.

Have you ever had to admit you made a terrible mistake? Admit that you changed your mind? Meet Paul.

We celebrate the greatest "Aha moment" in the Christian story: Peter responds to the question, "Who do you say that I am?" Note that Love at the Core meditations are now available as a podcast subscription through iTunes at the links below: Audio Podcast Video Podcast

What does it mean to be wise? It means to be awake. There is also a written meditation here: http://www.loveatthecore.org/blog/the-feast-of-the-epiphany/