In the late Middle Ages (1300s-early 1500s), the communion (Eucharist) was understood superstitiously, to put it mildly! In addition to the doctrine of transubstantiation -- that under the blessing of the priest the bread and wine actually became the body and blood of Christ -- other notions ran riot.
Some thought that one did not age when taking part in the Mass. Criminals took communion to assure success in their crimes. And, as always, the sacrament was thought to bring one closer to God, whether or not he had any intention of obeying the Lord in his daily living.
