already spoken of both (QQ. 73, 79). The perfect
way, then, of receiving this sacrament is when one takes it so as to
partake of its effect. Now, as was stated above (Q. 79, AA. 3, 8), it
sometimes happens that a man is hindered from receiving the effect of
this sacrament; and such receiving of this sacrament is an imperfect
one. Therefore, as the perfect is divided against the imperfect, so
sacramental eating, whereby the sacrament only is received without
its effect, is divided against spiritual eating, by which one
receives the effect of this sacrament, whereby a man is spiritually
united with Christ through faith and charity.

Reply Obj. 1: The same distinction is made regarding Baptism and the
other sacraments: for, some receive the sacrament only, while others
receive the sacrament and the reality of the sacrament. However,
there is a difference, because, since the other sacraments are
accomplished in the use of the matter, the receiving of the sacrament
is the actual perfection of the sacrament; whereas this sacrament is
accomplished in the consecration of the matter: and consequently both
uses follow the sacrament. On the other hand, in Baptism and in the
other sacraments that imprint a character, they who receive the
sacrament receive some spiritual effect, that is, the character.
which is not the case in this sacrament. And therefore, in this
sacrament, rather than in Baptism, the sacramental use is
distinguished from the spiritual use.

Reply Obj. 2: That sacramental eating which is also a spiritual
eating is not divided in contrast with spiritual eating, but is
included under it; but that sacramental eating which does not secure
the effect, is divided in contrast with spiritual eating; just as the
imperfect, which does not attain the perfection of its species, is
divided in contrast with the perfect.

Reply Obj. 3: As stated above (Q. 73, A. 3), the effect of the
sacrament can be secured by every man if he receive it in desire,
though not in reality. Consequently, just as some are baptized with
the Baptism of desire, through their desire of baptism, before being
baptized in the Baptism of water; so likewise some eat this sacrament
spiritually ere they receive it sacramentally. Now this happens in
two ways. First of all, from desire of receiving the sacrament
itself, and thus are said to be baptized, and to eat spiritually, and
not sacramentally, they who desire to receive these sacraments since
they hav