Like a Child Quieted at the Breast
Psalm 131
A Song of Ascents Of David.1
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up,
my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother’s breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul.
O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.2
Context: The book of Psalms is actually a collection of several smaller “songbooks” of ancient Israel. Psalm 131 is part of a collection known as the “Songs of Ascents” which were likely sung by pilgrims headed to Jerusalem to the Temple. The Temple site itself was located on Mount Moriah, and the city was surrounded by the Judean hills on three sides.
Translation: Although it is traditional to assume that King David composed the Psalms, scholars cannot confirm that conclusively. This particular collection of songs were probably dated later, perhaps even after the Babylonian exile and rebuilding of the Temple. The last line appears to be a “liturgical” addition.
Vocabulary:
lifted up: Other translations of this word are haughty, and with the next line, even arrogant. The humility of the pilgrim is childlike, looking for direction.
quieted: also translated frequently as “weaned”, the original Hebrew gamal connotes a ripening or benefit. The psalmist plays off the quiet receptivity of the child secure on its mother’s lap with the anxiety of making a pilgrimage.
Anyone who has traveled with children in tow can appreciate the beauty of this Psalm during the holiday rush to reunite across the miles. Humbling ourselves en route is even an imitation of our Lady, who arrived in Bethlehem in peasant style.
Even if we expect no pilgrimage this Christmas, the Christ Child will make His appearance to all souls. If we receive Him, the infant Jesus resides with us and we carry Him wherever we go, including to the Temple. Can you trust your own ability to provide for the life of Christ within? Trust in the Lord! He shall indeed provide!
Discussion:
Every adult has had the childhood experience of condescension. Sometimes, we also experience that humiliation as adults. How do you react to being treated as a child? Why?
The quiet soul of the child on his mother’s lap is a beautiful image of Christmas. Find your favorite from among this year’s cards, and imagine yourself on Mary’s lap alongside baby Jesus. What might happen if you joined their idyllic repose regularly?
Virgin and Child, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Follower of Rogier van der Weyden (Master of the Saint Ursula Legend Group, Netherlandish, active late 15th century.
The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1965, 1966 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.