Antiphona 2

Matthew 25:6-7 provides this text from the Ten Virgins parable. The imperative 'aptate lampades' (prepare your lamps) indicates urgent preparation - the lamps needed trimming, wicks adjusting, oil adding. The announcement 'Ecce sponsus venit' (Behold the bridegroom cometh) is eschatological - Christ's coming in death or at the Parousia. The command 'exite obviam ei' (go forth to meet him) uses processional language - the virgin must actively go toward Christ, not passively wait. At Vespers, as evening falls and lamps are lit, this antiphon transforms the physical act into spiritual preparation for meeting Christ.