" . . . Being chosen expresses a special relationship, being known and loved in a unique way, being singled out. In our society our being chosen always implies that others are not chosen. But this is not true for God. God chooses his Son to reveal to us our chosenness. In the Kingdom of God there is not competition or rivalry. The Son of God shares his chosenness with us. In the Kingdom of God each person is precious and unique, and each person has been given eyes to see the chosenness of others and rejoice in it."
Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, 7/13 entry
I'm drawn to this comment for several reasons. For one, it reminds me of the (mostly) playful sibling rivalry that has at times gone on between my daughters, each of whom claim to be the favorite-est. It also reminded me in a more thoughtful way of the book by Chaim Potok, The Chosen, where "chosenness" is costly. Being chosen carries with it a burden of responsibility as well as a blessing. There is a yoke to be born. I vote for one that fits well, as in "my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Jesus, quoted in Mt. 11:28-30
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