Calla Lily
Calla Lily is a beautiful white flower protruding from a nest of deep green leaves. This one I found growing at Lytham on the Lancastrian coast. Despite its fine appearance, the Plants For A Future website warns:
Many plants in this family are poisonous raw, due to the presence of calcium oxylate crystals. If eaten raw, this toxin gives you a sensation as if hundreds of tiny needles are sticking into the mouth, tongue etc. However, it is easily destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant. Although no specific mention has been seen for this plant it is wise to assume that it is poisonous in its raw state.
The prospect of thousands of tiny needles in my throat does not persuade me that even cooking would be a suitable procedure prior to ingesting the Calla Lily. Nor do I particularly wish to add to the sum of scientific research to discover whether the Calla in particular is better or worse in this regard than its cousins. So here is my plan: I shall enjoy with my eyes, but not with my mouth. While considering the communion service, Paul tells the Corinthians in 1:11:27:
Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink the cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
We have an open table at Salem Chapel, but I fear that some who partake of the bread and wine whilst nursing sin and harbouring unbelief await a fate worse than pins and needles of the throat.
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