Antiphona ad Benedictus

This antiphon applies Song of Songs imagery to Mary: 'Haec est lilium inter spinas, sic amica mea inter filias' (this is the lily among thorns, so is my beloved among the daughters). From Song of Songs 2:2, this verse presents Mary as the spotless one amid sinful humanity. The addition 'ipsa est species Carmeli et Saron' (she is the beauty of Carmel and Sharon) draws from Song 7:5, connecting bridal imagery to the Holy Land's geography. At Lauds on Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7), this antiphon grounds the feast's meditation in the spousal mysticism of the Canticle.