Weekly News | 2.20.26

Dear Church of the Cross,

Today we begin our Lent 2026 Visio Divina series.  Visio divina — divine seeing — is an ancient prayer practice inviting us to use our eyes and imaginations to lead us in contemplation about God, entering into prayer with him. Each week of Lent, our newsletter will feature the artwork “Redemption of Ashes” by Meena Matocha, followed by a selection of Scripture from the Lectionary and the Collect for the coming Sunday’s services.  

The email is formatted so you can slowly scroll and receive step-by-step guidance as you go.  We also invite you to spend time with this artwork face-to-face in the sanctuary, where you can become familiar with the textures, scale, and materials.

We hope you’ll set aside a few minutes, and ask God to meet you as you turn toward Him.

As you begin, take a few deep breaths. This impacts our ability to be present, allowing us to give God our full attention. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you afresh.

Spend some time looking at the image.

What do you see?
What do you notice? What do you think or feel as you linger with this piece? What questions do you have?

Read Psalm 51.
Where does this resonate with what you are seeing today?

Reflect on the passage, and look again at the image.
Ask the Lord, “What do you want me to hear today?” Invite him to connect what you’re seeing and hearing with your life this day. Is there an invitation he has for you?

Pray.

What do you want to say to God?

The Collect

Closing your prayers, join with the global and historic church in praying the Collect for this Sunday:

The First Sunday in Lent

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations, and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

About the Artwork & Artists

Meena is a visual artist based in central Texas using charcoal, ashes, soil, and sumi ink to create paintings. Learn more about Meena and her work!

“Redemption of Ashes” was created progressively through the weeks of Lent in 2018.  “The painting is about us, Church of the Cross, and also, ultimately, the church universal, as we deal with our ashes and walk in the redemption of the Light of Christ.”
-Meena Matocha
See more images and hear from Meena about the process of creating this piece!