December 18

Advent weekday

From December 17 the Advent liturgy turns to the immediate preparation for Christmas, with the great “O Antiphons” at Evening Prayer.

Readings of the day

Sorrowful Mysteries

First Mystery: The Agony in the Garden

In Advent, the Joyful Mysteries are a natural companion any day.

“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”Luke 22:42

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays in anguish as His Passion approaches. His sweat becomes like drops of blood, and He surrenders Himself wholly to the Father’s will.

Fruit of the mystery: Sorrow for sin · conformity to God’s will

“O Adonai” — the O Antiphon for December 18

O Adonai and Leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and redeem us with outstretched arm.

Roman Breviary, Magnificat antiphon (translated for this app)

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This day’s five mysteries (Sorrowful Mysteries)

The Agony in the Garden
The Scourging at the Pillar
The Crowning with Thorns
The Carrying of the Cross
The Crucifixion

Coming up

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)Fri, Dec 25 · Solemnity
Saint Stephen, the First MartyrSat, Dec 26 · Feast
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and JosephSun, Dec 27 · Feast
The Holy Innocents, MartyrsMon, Dec 28 · Feast
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of GodFri, Jan 1 · Solemnity

✝ Pray the full Rosary

Liturgical calendar for the dioceses of the USA (General Roman Calendar and U.S. proper), checked against the USCCB liturgical calendar. Readings: citations from the U.S. Lectionary for Mass, text from the Douay-Rheims Bible (public domain).

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