In a discourse to the Bishops of Switzerland, Pope Benedict XVI gave expression to the ideal I have kept before my mind in teaching and preaching the Word of God during my lifetime as a Biblical theologian. He said:

“I would very much like to see theologians learn to interpret and love Scripture as the Council desired, in accordance with Dei Verbum: may they experience the inner unity of Scripture… and then make a spiritual interpretation of it that is not externally edifying but rather an inner immersion in the presence of the Word.” Hasneh Media was created precisely for this reason: to serve the Holy Spirit’s action in bringing us to the “inner immersion in the presence of the Word.”

I offer a selection of my materials from my years of teaching, preaching and writing, in response to many requests for this material. You will notice that the sermons can be downloaded gratis. These, I feel, have been part of what was “freely received” from the Lord, and are thus “freely given.” I have asked a rather modest price for the teachings in order to help in my research and to keep up the web site. St. Paul tells us:

“For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope” -- Romans 15:4

I pray this for each of you.

-- Fr. Francis Martin

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"Whoever listens to you listens to me." -- Luke 10:16

“The Gospel preached by the Church is not just a message but a divine and life-giving experience for those who believe, hear, receive and obey the message.” -- Congregation for the Clergy

“And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe.” -– 1 Th. 2:13

One of the most efficacious ways of praying is a recollected reading of the Bible, an exercise which is called “Sacred Reading” (lectio divina). I give you here some notes that can help you get started. There are many learned studies of the Bible. These are helpful, but many people have the notion that the Bible is “ over their head.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Here is a summary of one of the approaches to the Bible. The basis of my outline is a treatise by Guigo the Carthusian, a Carthusian Prior of the 13th century.

The Four Aspects of Reading the Scriptures

Guigo the Carthusian

Reading

• Find a quiet place, turn your heart and mind over to God and ask the Holy Spirit to help you.
• Read slowly, asking yourself questions: this is not like any other kind of reading.
• You might try copying out the text itself in order to help you pay attention.

Meditation

• Stop when something touches your heart. Write out a few reflections. Continue to pray and ask for enlightenment.
• Use a Bible with cross references and good footnotes. (The Bible of Jerusalem 1966 edition – still available on line- or some other help).
• Take notes on your reflections and questions; note down terms you want to study and look them up later (examples: “The Holy Spirit,” “The Blood,” “Covenant,” “Glory,” etc.) (The best reference for this is Xavier Léon Dufour (ed.), Dictionary of Biblical Theology)
• Take your time and think things over, applying them to your own life.

Prayer

• Talk to the Lord about what you are reading; remember that it is He who can give you an experience of the power of the Word.
• Ask Him to speak with you and listen quietly. If something comes to your heart, resolve to remember it or write it out at once.
• Gaze quietly at the words on the page of your Bible, and wait.

Contemplation

• Enter the temple: Psalm 63:1-2: "O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory."
• The heart is purified by the word (John 15:3: "You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you") and by the gift of tears.
• The role of desire to bring about purification: “A pure heart create for me O God, put a steadfast spirit within me.” Ps 51:12.