Antiphona 3

Luke 1:28 records Gabriel's greeting to Mary, the foundation of the 'Hail Mary' prayer. 'Gratia plena' (full of grace) translates the Greek 'kecharitomene,' a perfect passive participle indicating that Mary has been and remains completely graced - grace is her permanent state. 'Dominus tecum' (the Lord is with you) echoes Old Testament theophanic language (Judges 6:12). 'Benedicta tu in mulieribus' (blessed among women) recalls Judges 5:24 (Jael) and Judith 13:18 - Mary surpasses all women as Deborah and Judith prefigured. At Lauds, the Church greets Mary with Gabriel's own words, entering into the angelic salutation.