Third Day of Christmas
Love in Action: St. John the Evangelist
On this third day of Christmas, I’ve been thinking about my work at the Cecil Hotel, where I serve tenants who were once homeless. The Cecil isn’t just a building; it’s a community—a place where people find hope, healing, and home.
In St. John’s Gospel, as Jesus hung on the cross, He told His mother Mary and the disciple John, “Behold your son... behold your mother.” John took Mary into his home, showing us what it means to care for each other. It’s about creating belonging, especially for those who need it most.
At the heart of St. John’s response in the Gospel is an act of deep listening—not just hearing words, but truly taking them in and responding with love. When Jesus spoke to him from the cross, John didn’t just acknowledge the request; he internalized it. He understood the depth of Jesus’ call to care for Mary, stepping into a role that required both empathy and action. That moment is a beautiful example of what it means to listen not just with the ears, but with the heart.
At the Cecil, I experience a deep sense of love and listening every day—in listening to residents, understanding their struggles, and standing by them as they rebuild their lives — and watching residents grow, heal and help others. Deep listening, like John’s, can be such a powerful gift. It lets people know they matter and that they’re not alone.
Protecting the vulnerable is at the heart of it all. Whether it’s through life skills classes, food support, or simply being present, it’s about creating a space where people feel safe and valued.
At the Cecil Hotel, "hope, healing, and home" are woven into every moment. Hope shines in the resilience of those rebuilding their lives, healing takes root in the shared understanding and support we offer, and home is found in the sense of safety and belonging that grows within this community. These are the gifts we share, and they remind us what it means to truly care for one another.
Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s something we do. And in the smallest moments, it can change everything.
Thank you for giving people who have been hurting so much the grace and the space to help others heal. It's an exponential magic that makes the world better every day.