Antiphona ad Benedictus

This proper antiphon for the Benedictus encapsulates the feast's theology: 'O quam gloriosum est regnum' (O how glorious is that kingdom). The kingdom is identified by two marks: the saints 'gaudent cum Christo' (rejoice with Christ), and 'amicti stolis albis, sequuntur Agnum quocumque ierit' (clothed in white robes, they follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth). The white robes signify baptismal purity now perfected; the following of the Lamb indicates eternal discipleship - the saints do not rest passively but actively accompany Christ. The phrase 'quocumque ierit' (whithersoever he goeth) echoes Apocalypse 14:4, describing the virginal souls who form Christ's closest retinue. Framing the Benedictus, this antiphon colors Zechariah's prophecy with eschatological fulfillment.