Antiphona 5

Matthew 10:22 and 24:13 both contain this promise, concluding Christ's warnings about persecution. 'Perseveraverit' (shall have persevered) emphasizes continuance to the end, not merely beginning well. The phrase 'usque in finem' (unto the end) can mean either death or the Parousia - both require persistence. The promise 'hic salvus erit' (this one shall be saved) identifies the necessary condition for salvation: endurance. At Vespers, as evening recalls life's end, this antiphon promises that the martyr who endured to death will be saved forever - perseverance crowned with eternal security.