f the word "sacramentally" qualify
the verb on the part of the thing eaten. But if it qualify the verb
on the part of the one eating, then, properly speaking, he does not
eat sacramentally, because he uses what he takes, not as a sacrament,
but as simple food. Unless perchance the unbeliever were to intend to
receive what the Church bestows; without having proper faith
regarding the other articles, or regarding this sacrament.

Reply Obj. 3: Even though a mouse or a dog were to eat the
consecrated host, the substance of Christ's body would not cease to
be under the species, so long as those species remain, and that is,
so long as the substance of bread would have remained; just as if it
were to be cast into the mire. Nor does this turn to any indignity
regarding Christ's body, since He willed to be crucified by sinners
without detracting from His dignity; especially since the mouse or
dog does not touch Christ's body in its proper species, but only as
to its sacramental species. Some, however, have said that Christ's
body would cease to be there, directly it were touched by a mouse or
a dog; but this again detracts from the truth of the sacrament, as
stated above. None the less it must not be said that the irrational
animal eats the body of Christ sacramentally; since it is incapable
of using it as a sacrament. Hence it eats Christ's body
_accidentally,_ and not sacramentally, just as if anyone not knowing
a host to be consecrated were to consume it. And since no genus is
divided by an accidental difference, therefore this manner of eating
Christ's body is not set down as a third way besides sacramental and
spiritual eating.
_______________________

FOURTH ARTICLE [III, Q. 80, Art. 4]

Whether the Sinner Sins in Receiving Christ's Body Sacramentally?

Objection 1: It seems that the sinner does not sin in receiving
Christ's body sacramentally, because Christ has no greater dignity
under the sacramental species than under His own. But sinners did not
sin when they touched Christ's body under its proper species; nay,
rather they obtained forgiveness of their sins, as we read in Luke 7
of the woman who was a sinner; while it is written (Matt. 14:36) that
"as many as touched the hem of His garment were healed." Therefore,
they do not sin, but rather obtain salvation, by receiving the body
of Christ.

Obj. 2: Further, this sacrament, like the others, is a spiritual
medicine. But medicine is given to the sick for their