“But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” (Eph 6: 21-24)
St. Paul “comforts the hearts” of his people by sending Tychicus to let them know how he is doing. The Apostle is affirming his love for his flock by keeping it informed about his affairs. Conversely, I’m thinking, it would be damaging for love, and ultimately for church-unity, were the people kept in the dark about what’s going on with their church-leader(s).
There’s probably a lesson here for church-leaders today, but what’s the simple lesson I, personally, take away from this, for my own life? I need to keep in touch with those I love from a long distance, and occasionally let them know how I’m doing, in order that love may be kept alive. It’s both harder and easier today, to keep in touch with loved ones, in our globalized economy, when many of us find ourselves living far away from “home.” It’s harder, because of longer distances, but also “easier,” because of the many means of communication available to us, like social media, Zoom, Skype and so on. I place “easier” in quotes, because our constant connectivity, via all these means of communication, might also become overwhelming. If I don’t make an effort to limit communication with anyone and everyone 24/7, I might have no desire or energy for meaningful contact with anyone.
Today let me be mindful of how/when I keep in touch, and with whom. Lord, help us love You, and one another, even dispersed as we are, and connected as we are, all over the planet today.