Wouldn’t it be good to take the Lord’s Supper to the elderly and infirm? I have assisted with this in my younger days. Or , can we say the Lord understands? Not many congregations do take Communion to infirm today. ~ Thomas Hall, North Little Rock, AR
Five worshipful activities are derived from New Testament passages for the Lord’s church to engage each Lord’s Day. They are communion, giving, singing, preaching and prayer. The assembly is described in Scripture as the whole church come together in one place (1 Corinthians 11:18, 20; 14:23). Whereas giving, singing, preaching and prayer are described in Scripture as occurring ALSO outside the worship assembly, communion is in Scripture confined to the assembly. For instance, regarding communion, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread . . .” (Acts 20:7).
Further, communion is relatively equal to the other four acts of worship. The elevation of communion by Catholicism to a Sacrament, I believe, has carried over beyond Catholicism. Many people have the notion of a heightened importance of communion over the other four acts of worship. Therefore, well-meaning brethren either request the communion be brought to them when they, due to illness or some other hindrance, are unable to attend the worship assembly, or brethren volunteer to bring communion to those who are unable to participate in the assembly. It would seem to me that consistency would demand that one bring along the collection plate as well and offer prayer, preaching and singing, too.
There is no biblical prescription of which I am aware for communion to be brought to the elderly or infirm. The elderly and infirm, as far as I can tell, are under no more obligation to eat the communion than sing, pray, receive preaching and give in the assembly. In my opinion, we do not have to volunteer to take communion to the elderly and infirm, though we should take it to those who request it for their peace of mind. However, were I to take communion to the elderly and infirm, the other four acts of worship would receive as much attention. Especially in light of my singing voice and lack of musical talent, I would take a small number of others with me, too. This procedure, in fact, would constitute a small assembly for the purpose of worship.
