Antiphona 2

Psalm 91:13 (Vulgate: 91:13) provides this text comparing the just to two trees. The 'palma' (palm) symbolizes victory (Apocalypse 7:9 - the martyrs hold palm branches) and resurrection (the palm was called 'phoenix' in Greek, evoking the resurrection bird). The 'cedrus Libani' (cedar of Lebanon) represents incorruptibility - cedar wood does not rot. The verbs 'florebit' (shall flourish) and 'multiplicabitur' (shall multiply) are future - the martyr's influence continues growing after death. At Lauds, as dawn arrives, this botanical imagery presents the martyr as an evergreen tree, perpetually fruitful in God's garden.