The Cross and Charity

Rosemary Bogdan reflects upon how practicing acts of charity can nurture others and help us all to carry the large and small crosses of life.

As the dead of winter is upon us, we learn to practice endurance. It does no good to be impatient with the weather. Nor does it do any good to be impatient with anything. I try to remember to thank the Lord whenever He gives me an opportunity to practice patience because I know I very much need the practice.

If the weather, or anything, is painful may we remember to offer the suffering to the Lord, especially now that we are in Lent. We in the north are enduring a brutal winter of single-digit and subzero temperatures along with lots of sleet, ice, and snow. But winter is temporary. And there are many ways we can alleviate the pain of the cold.

Saint Polycarp and his Martyrdom

The saint we remember today, Saint Polycarp, endured a horrible martyrdom being burned at the stake.

The Office of Readings for today, quoting a letter on the martyrdom of Saint Polycarp, tells us:

Surrounded by the fire, his body was like bread that is baked, or gold and silver white-hot in a furnace, not like flesh that has been burnt. So sweet a fragrance came to us that it was like that of burning incense or some other costly and sweet-smelling gum.

What an amazing miracle. The saints teach us so much. I have nothing to complain about. Only some cold fingers. I need to watch my attitude.

We can also respond to the bitterness of the weather with the warmth of hospitality among our friends and family.

Warming of the Heart

A good friend of mine invited some of our friends to come over for a game night.

She made soup for us all, that comfort food that warms the body as well as the spirit. It was delicious, prompting requests for the recipe from all of us. The rest of us brought vegetables, treats, or whatever worked well for us.

We decided on one of those newer, complicated games that our children enjoy: Wingspan. The multiple layers of this game provide good exercise for the brain, and the content allowed us to learn a little more about some of God’s creatures: birds. The game itself was challenging and fun. Plus, we had a couple of young people with us for instruction. Having the young people around always helps.

It was very entertaining, low key, and relaxed. It was an evening that filled us with the grace and peace that accompanies Christian fellowship. And it warmed our hearts on a very cold night.

Every Cross is an Opportunity

Every little cross we are asked to endure provides an opportunity to share love. Let’s remember to reach out to others when they are suffering. We can have a game night with friends when it’s terribly cold out.

Or we can have hot chocolate at the ready for children when they come in from the cold. Or focus on comfort foods for dinner.

If someone is suffering, we can make it clear to that person that we are willing to listen and that they can take their time to explain as much or as little as they would like. Most importantly, we can pray.

Oh Lord, please remind us of all the ways we can reach out and love others. Let us not turn inward and indulge in self-pity but rather take the love you give us and spread it to all those around us.

Good Saint Polycarp, pray for us!

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Copyright 2026 Rosemary Bogdan
Images: Canva