Antiphona ad Benedictus

This antiphon quotes Genesis 48:16, Jacob's blessing upon Joseph's sons: 'Angelus qui eruit me de cunctis malis' (the Angel who delivered me from all evils). Jacob invokes his guardian angel's protection upon Ephraim and Manasseh: 'benedicat pueris istis' (bless these children). The phrase 'invocetur super eos nomen meum' (let my name be called upon them) indicates inheritance of the patriarchal blessing through angelic mediation. At Lauds on the feast of Guardian Angels, this antiphon establishes biblical precedent for angelic protection: what Jacob sought for his grandsons, the Church seeks for all the baptized. The angel is not merely protector but transmitter of blessing across generations.