Nevertheless, if thou through frailty delight thee in thy senses, and in such vanities, but yet keepest thyself in charity and the grace of God as to other things, and choosest not this delight for a full rest of thy soul, but always settest up God above all things in thy desire, this sin in thee is venial; and that more or less according to its circumstances; nor shalt thou for these venial sins be put from the supper in the bliss of heaven, but thou shalt want the tasting and the assaying of that delicate supper, whilst thou livest here on earth, unless thou be busy with all thy might to withstand and conquer such venial sins, for though it be so that venial sins break not charity, yet soothly they let the fervour and the ghostly feeling of charity. (John Climacus)

If I were in conversation with the fleshly Climacus I would not argue with him here, and merely murmur consent.

But more honestly - though only God knows the truth - I am inclined to see what he calls venial sins as potential spiritual aids.

There is a way to share supper with others that brings us into fuller relationship with God.

In truly tasting what we eat, noticing the fragrance of the meal, feeling the textures of evening, seeing what is really before us, and - especially - in listening carefully to one another and to God, in all these ways, we experience the charity and Grace of God.

We are created in the image of God, senses and all.