The Unfolding of the Little Flower: “The Psalm of the Little Children”

THE PSALM OF THE LITTLE CHILDREN

Many of our readers will readily recall that most touching passage in the first chapter of the “Story of a Soul,” Sister Theresa’s autobiography, where she speaks of God’s constant loving care of her from the beginning, quoting the 22nd Psalm.

“I am now able to look back upon the past, having been ripened by mental and bodily sufferings. Like a flower after the storm, I raise my head, seeing in myself the truth of the words the Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want. “

This most touching psalm, breathing, as it does, absolute reliance on the loving Providence of God, was evidently a favourite prayer of Sister Theresa. Possibly, however, she was unaware of its associations in the ancient Liturgy of the Church with the little children, and its literal fulfilment of our Blessed Lord’s words : ” Suffer little children to come unto Me.”

In the Liturgy of the Church of Constantinople this was the Psalm appointed to be sung at the Communion of the newly- baptised, as there seem to be prophetical references in it to ” the waters of rest ” (Baptism), guidance (vv. 3, 4) the ” table spread before me ” (Holy Eucharist), the anointing of my head with oil (Confirmation or final baptismal anointing). St. Augustine adds that in consequence catechumens had to learn it by heart before Baptism, so as to be able afterwards to recite it daily in thanksgiving.

Being a very short Psalm, it might well be added to the very few Psalms (including only we believe, the ” De Profundis ” and the ” Laudate Dominum “), learnt by heart by our children, whose special Psalm it may well be, as part of their thanksgiving after Holy Communion, and as summing up all God s mercies to them in these days, especially our Holy Father’s memorable Decrees on children’s Communion.

Knowing how Sister Theresa delighted in the Psalms, her daily devotion, we cherish the idea of giving from time to time, literal translations of some of these burning protestations of the Psalmist’s love of God, which often gain so much in significance if their meaning in the original is clearly grasped. Happily there is very little obscurity in this 22nd Psalm, but we append the version below as bringing out the points we have mentioned :

” The Lord leads me to the pastures, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in pastures of tender grass. He leads me to the waters of the oases ” (resting places).

“So He provides my soul with refreshment. He guides me in the paths of uprightness for His Name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of deep darkness, I will fear no evil ; for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy shepherd’s staff have given me confidence.”

Thou hast laid a table for me in the very teeth of my enemies. Thou hast anointed my head with oil ; my cup is an overflowing one.”

” Nought but Thy goodness and loving kindness ” (instead of enemies) ” shall pursue me all the days of my life ; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for length of days.”