Antiphona ad Benedictus

This Benedictus antiphon draws from John 19:36-37, connecting the piercing of Christ's side to prophetic fulfillment: 'Facta sunt enim haec ut Scriptura implerentur' (these things were done that the Scripture might be fulfilled). The citation 'Videbunt in quem transfixerunt' (they shall look on him whom they pierced) quotes Zechariah 12:10. The 'looking' required is not mere observation but contemplation leading to compunction - those who pierced Him will mourn. Sacred Heart devotion invites this same gaze: to look upon the pierced One with love rather than violence, with reparation rather than indifference. Framing the Benedictus, this antiphon makes Zechariah's prophecy the lens through which to read the entire canticle.