Scriptural Reference:
"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and
drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My
blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
John 6:53-58

"For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink
judgement on themselves."
1 Corinthians 11:29

"So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, for
when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers."
1 Corinthians 11:20-21

"Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf."
1 Corinthians 10:17

Reflection:
I have reflected on the sacrament of the Lords' Supper; as far as who is entitled to consecrate and serve the elements to the congregation. This sacrament is set aside for a Bishop or Priest. I explored the understanding of the bread and wine as far as how they are shared and taken. Now I will be looking at those who take part in the Lords' Supper who are openly opposed to the very core values of Christianity. This will include those who innocently take part in the supper. This is a unique group which for the most part is overlooked by many.

To begin with what do we mean when we speak of those who are deemed "wicked"? This refers to those who lack genuine faith. Those who might physically partake in the Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood, as Saint Augustine pointed out, but they aren't truly sharing in Christ. Instead, they end up eating and drinking to their own condemnation, merely engaging with the symbol of something so significant.

The sacrament of the Lords' Supper holds a significant place in our journey of faith, resonating with the words of our Lord Himself who emphasized the vital connection between partaking in His body and blood and the essence of eternal life. This sacred act serves as a unifying practice among devoted Christians, highlighting the imperative role of introspection before partaking in the elements, ultimately reflecting the depth of our faith and commitment. However, in our contemporary society, there exists a paradox where individuals partake in communion while disregarding essential teachings of the Bible, forming a perplexing blend of diverse beliefs and orientations. This eclectic mix, encompassing various identities and affiliations, symbolizes the challenge of reconciling personal ideologies with the fundamental principles of Christianity, underscoring the concern addressed by this doctrinal article towards those who approach this sacrament without true conviction or alignment with core Christian beliefs.

An example of the division between even among those who purportedly claim to be Christian is given by Paul when he warned the Corinthians that "those who eat and drink without recognizing the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves" (1 Cor. 11:29). Those are some serious words. Nobody wants to bring judgment upon themselves, so it's important for everyone to really understand the significance of the body. Though to do this the individual needs to firstly recognise what they are partaking in. '

In my research, I discovered that during the early church era, there were physical separations within congregations based on social status. This practice is reflective of the Corinthian church's divisions mentioned by Paul, where the well-off congregants had designated seating areas while the less fortunate stood at the back. This segregation extended even to the architecture of the buildings, with lower classes positioned in areas designed to be inconspicuous compared to the pews of the wealthier members. The implications of such divisions on the unity of the body of Christ, represented by the church community, are still worth pondering in today's context.

Historically, many churches had designated sections for the poor or marginalized during services. This practice varied by region and denomination, but it often reflected the social hierarchies and economic realities of the time.

• Medieval Europe: In many cathedrals and parish churches, there were areas set aside for the poor, sometimes referred to as "alms-houses" or "poor boxes," where they could sit during services. This allowed them to participate in worship while being somewhat separated from wealthier congregants.
• 18th and 19th Centuries: In some Protestant churches, especially in urban areas, there were specific pews or sections for the poor. This was often a reflection of the church's role in providing for the community and addressing social issues.
• Social Justice Movements: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, churches increasingly became centres for social justice, advocating for the poor and marginalised. This often included creating spaces for them within the church.

These practices highlight the church's historical role in community support and the social dynamics of worship settings. This is an ongoing vital role that many these days have chosen to forget. I mention these things as to express both the lack of unity in many churches back then as well as now. Also to highlight the openness of the sacrament to all who come with an open eagerness to partake of the elements in fellowship. Were there any who might have been deemed "wicked" by Pauls' terms? That is a good question. What do you think?

For the most part the congregation are instructed to search their hearts before taking the Lords' Supper. To seek deeper inside to discover if there are any hidden reasons they shouldn't partake. For, to do so with a false claim of faith or a wicked intent would be to their own detriment. I have seen many who attend church regularly and have surprised me at their weak faith and woofly faith. I remember offering one woman as she entered church a Bible. Her reply shocked me. She asked me "why would I want one of those things". She later went ahead and participated in the sharing the elements. I could list many others; The Pagans, the open Gay etc. But perhaps that can be for another time.

Another group comes to mind. Have you ever been in church and noticed that parents with children will often let them take the bread and the wine (in their case mostly grape juice). These young souls have little understanding of what is going on. They are free of the burdens of being an adult. Yet they are also partaking something that is extremely deep in meaning and significance to Christians. So should they partake? Should they be told to wait until they are old enough to understand? For me I'm not sure they should be taking it. To do so seems to create an expectation that they can take it without the need to recognise what it is they are doing. This can become something that can lead to a later inclination to take Christianity as a vague choice.

These are all serious discussions Christians need to start talking about.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

I recognise the Church is made up of,
Many who come to your table,
Many who are searching for forgiveness,
Many who have found salvation in Jesus.

And yet I also recognise that many partake,
Without repenting of their sins,
Without acknowledging your holiness,
Without regard for Gods' grace.

I pray the Holy Spirit will be amongst us,
To convict the stained hearts,
To reveal Your holy presense,
To awaken spirits of love and devotion.

Amen