Oculi—Third Sunday in Lent, 4 March 2018
“But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” —St. Luke 11.20
JESUS OVERCOMES THE STRONG MAN
The Prophet Jeremiah was charged with speaking evil when he spoke the Word of the Lord. So also, Jesus is accused of doing evil when in fact He is doing good. He casts out a demon from a mute man so that he is able to speak (St. Luke 11.14–28). But some said Jesus did this by the power of Beelzebub, Satan. Like Pharaoh of old, their hearts were hard (Exodus 8.16–24). They did not recognize the finger of God, the power of the Holy Spirit at work in and through Jesus. Jesus is the Stronger Man who overcomes the strong man. He takes the devil’s armor of sin and death and destroys it from the inside out by the holy cross. He exorcizes and frees us by water and the Word. We were once darkness, but now we are light in Christ the Lord (Ephesians 5.1–9). As children of light, our tongues are loosed to give thanks to Him who saved us.
This week’s announcements
Oculi The Third Sunday in Lent takes its name “Oculi” from the first word of the Introit in Latin, “Eyes” (Psalm 25.15).
Lauds is the Church’s morning prayer, and is prayed Tuesday—Thursday at 9:30am. Increased prayer is one of the Lent disciplines. Join us as you are able
Easter Lilies Order Form is in the Narthex and by the parish office. Please clearly print your name and the name of the person(s) you would like to honor or memorialize. The cost is $11.00. The order deadline is March 20. You may also order by contacting the parish office at 812.232.4972 or stacy.gibbens@immanuelth.org.
Sundays Available for Altar Flowers There are still six Sundays available for Altar Flowers this year. Please sign up on the chart in the Narthex.
Lent Midweek Vespers is Wednesday at 7pm, with the theme “The Passover: Trial and Denial” on St. Matthew 26.57-75.
Prepare for Next Sunday
Exodus 16.2–21; Galatians 4.21–31; St. John 6.1–15
Hymns: 556 X 743 X 438 X 625 X 422 X 440
Order of Daily Prayer
L Make haste, O X God, to deliver me.
R Make haste to help me, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen
Psalm 86
Scripture Readings:
[S] from Divine Service: Ephesians 5.1-9; St. Luke 11.14-28
[M] St. Luke 18.15-30; Numbers 22
[T] St. Luke 19; Numbers 23
[W] St. Luke 20; Numbers 24
[Th] St. Luke 21; Numbers 27
[F] St. Luke 22; Deuteronomy 5
[S] St. Luke 23; Deuteronomy 8
Hymn of the Day or Month
Catechism (bulletin)
Apostles’ Creed
L Lord, have mercy upon us; R Christ, have mercy upon us; Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father
Collect of the Day (bulletin)
Luther’s Morning or Evening Prayer
L Bless we the Lord. R Thanks be to God
