“Heart and Mind: The Four Gospel Journey for Radical Transformation” by Alexander John Shaia
- John Scoble
- Aug 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 11
Book Review
This book shed new light on the Gospels for me. Shaia suggests that the Gospels, in the order of Matthew, Mark, John and Luke reflect spiritually the seasons autumn, winter, spring and summer. He also suggests that the theological underpinning of the gospel reading cycle used by the early church has largely been forgotten.
Shaia explains the social and political context of each of the evangelist’s audiences and constantly refers to the way in which these audiences would interpret the stories in the Gospels. Frequently he also references contemporary issues that relate to our own spiritual journey. In this way he provides added richness to the texts.
If you wish to assess whether this book “Heart and Mind: The Four Gospel Journey for Radical Transformation” by Alexander John Shaia might be right for you, visit the Quadratos website at https://www.quadratos.com/
FAQs Heart and Mind: The Four Gospel Journey for Radical Transformation
What is the Four-Gospel Journey in Alexander John Shaia’s “Heart and Mind”?
According to St Lucia Spirituality, the Four-Gospel Journey is a spiritual framework Shaia offers that aligns each gospel (Matthew, Mark, John, Luke) with a stage of transformation and with seasons of the liturgical reading cycle. It proposes that each gospel isn’t just historical narrative but a living path: Matthew calls us into change, Mark into confronting suffering, John into joy, Luke into service. It’s meant to revive how we read the Gospels so that we see our own spiritual evolution mirrored in their structure.
How does Shaia connect the liturgical reading cycle with spiritual growth?
St Lucia Spirituality explains that Shaia recovers how early Christian communities used a reading cycle of the four Gospels not simply for structure but as a guide to inner transformation. He suggests that traditional order of readings (Matthew, Mark, John, Luke) corresponds to autumn, winter, spring, summer - a symbolic pattern of change, suffering, renewal, and flourishing. This seasonal metaphor helps seekers see that spiritual life moves through seasons, and that each gospel offers practices aligned with those seasons.
Why does Shaia believe that listeners today have forgotten the theological grounding of the Gospel reading cycle?
The reflection notes that over time, many Christian traditions have leaned into the historical and doctrinal aspects of the Gospels while underplaying their transformative, symbolic, and communal functions. Shaia argues that the transformative cycle was once central - it shaped how believers lived, celebrated, suffered, and served. Rediscovering that grounding affords a spiritual practice that is less about belief and more about becoming.
What practical reflections or exercises accompany the Four-Gospel Journey?
Per St Lucia Spirituality, Shaia offers reflection prompts tied to each Gospel path:
In Matthew (Change), one may journal about personal transitions or places of resistance.
In Mark (Suffering), contemplative prayer or silence to face internal grief or external injustice.
In John (Joy), meditation on gratitude and presence.
In Luke (Service), acts of compassion and relational generosity. These practices invite not just intellectual understanding but embodied growth - living out the Gospels in the texture of everyday life.
How can embracing the Four-Gospel Journey deepen my spiritual community and connection?
St Lucia Spirituality emphasizes that Shaia’s model is communal as well as personal. By walking the Four-Gospel Journey in a group - reading, reflecting, sharing across the gospel stages - seekers find fellowship, accountability, and shared wisdom. This communal engagement often reveals insights one might miss alone. Also, it restores ancient rhythms of belonging: that transformation is not just inside you but also discovered in relationship to others and to sacred narrative.
At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.
Join Our Spiritual Community
About the Author - John Scoble
John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.
While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.
Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.
Comments