Antiphona 3

Psalm 115:15 (Vulgate: 115:6) contains this theological paradox: death is 'pretiosa' (precious/costly). The word indicates both value and price - the martyr's death costs much and is worth much. 'In conspectu Domini' (in the sight of the Lord) indicates divine perspective, different from human estimation which counts death as loss. The plural 'sanctorum eius' (his saints) places each individual martyr within the communion of all martyrs. At Vespers, as evening recalls Christ's burial, this antiphon transforms death from defeat into precious offering, valuable currency in the divine economy.