Quite often we have the sense that being chosen means that we have a special position and are entitled to certain privileges. When our parents had to go out on errands, they would often tell the oldest child, “You are in charge.” Did that mean we now had license to boss around our younger siblings? The answer is yes and no. Most often it means that the one in charge is to be responsible for everyone else and, if need be, to order them around.
The people of Israel had this problem of distinction from time to time. They would feel that being chosen meant that they deserved to be the richest, most powerful country in the world, putting them in a position where they could boss around other nations. But to God, being chosen by covenant means responsibility along with blessings; they were to be a light, guiding other peoples to God and the joy God brings as expressed in this psalm.
Now that God’s chosen are beyond the boundaries of any one country or people, we are also called to realize that this is not only a position of blessing and joy, but also responsibility to others.
Loving God, help me to understand that your favour is not only about blessings, but also about my response to your love. Amen. — LGR