The Lutheran Order of Service for Oculi (Third Sunday in Lent) is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word from the gospel of St. Luke in the ninth chapter the verses 57-62 written by Pastor J. B. Mathebula (Berbice LC, MP) in isiZulu (wz1517150308 Okuli) and translated as usual into seTswana (wt1517150308 Okuli) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).

The readings for Oculi are:

• Old Testament:       1 Kings 19:1-8 (9-13a)
• The Epistle:            Ephesians 5:1-8a
• The Gospel:            St. Luke 9:57-62
• Psalm:                    34:18-20.23

The liturgical colour is violet.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for this week of Oculi: No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62 KJV)

A collect for Oculi: O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word;  through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. (LSB Altar Book 872)

If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, wisdom, knowledge and insight – and the true words and pictures to preach his holy will faithfully according to his most precious revelation of his will and promises in both the Old and New Testament! However if you are not preaching, but listening – then listen as if God is talking to you + His precious gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Rom 1:16 NIV)

We thank the Lutheran Heritage Foundation for supporting the distribution of hard-copies of these orders of worship and sermons throughout Southern Africa. If you also want a copy please do not hesitate to subscribe by writing to EAWWeber@bundunet.co.za.