thing signified, just as a cause is
naturally prior to the effect; but not in order of time, because this
cause has its effect with it at the same time, and this suffices for
the truth of the expression.
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SIXTH ARTICLE [III, Q. 78, Art. 6]

Whether the Form of the Consecration of the Bread Accomplishes Its
Effect Before the Form of the Consecration of the Wine Be Completed?

Objection 1: It seems that the form of the consecration of the bread
does not accomplish its effect until the form for the consecration of
the wine be completed. For, as Christ's body begins to be in this
sacrament by the consecration of the bread, so does His blood come to
be there by the consecration of the wine. If, then, the words for
consecrating the bread were to produce their effect before the
consecration of the wine, it would follow that Christ's body would be
present in this sacrament without the blood, which is improper.

Obj. 2: Further, one sacrament has one completion: hence although
there be three immersions in Baptism, yet the first immersion does
not produce its effect until the third be completed. But all this
sacrament is one, as stated above (Q. 73, A. 2). Therefore the words
whereby the bread is consecrated do not bring about their effect
without the sacramental words whereby the wine is consecrated.

Obj. 3: Further, there are several words in the form for consecrating
the bread, the first of which do not secure their effect until the
last be uttered, as stated above (A. 4, ad 3). Therefore, for the
same reason, neither do the words for the consecration of Christ's
body produce their effect, until the words for consecrating Christ's
blood are spoken.

_On the contrary,_ Directly the words are uttered for consecrating
the bread, the consecrated host is shown to the people to be adored,
which would not be done if Christ's body were not there, for that
would be an act of idolatry. Therefore the consecrating words of the
bread produce their effect before the words are spoken for
consecrating the wine.

_I answer that,_ Some of the earlier doctors said that these two
forms, namely, for consecrating the bread and the wine, await each
other's action, so that the first does not produce its effect until
the second be uttered.

But this cannot stand, because, as stated above (A. 5, ad 3), for the
truth of this phrase, "This is My body," wherein the verb is in the
present tense, it is required for the th