of it, or receive it at meal-time, as did those whom the Apostle
reproves and corrects. For our Saviour, in order the more strongly to
commend the depth of this mystery, wished to fix it closely in the
hearts and memories of the disciples; and on that account He gave no
command for it to be received in that order, leaving this to the
apostles, to whom He was about to entrust the government of the
churches."

Reply Obj. 2: The text quoted is thus paraphrased by the gloss: "If
any man be hungry and loath to await the rest, let him partake of his
food at home, that is, let him fill himself with earthly bread,
without partaking of the Eucharist afterwards."

Reply Obj. 3: The wording of this decree is in accordance with the
former custom observed by some of receiving the body of Christ on
that day after breaking their fast, so as to represent the Lord's
supper. But this is now abrogated, because as Augustine says (Resp.
ad Januar., Ep. liv), it is customary throughout the whole world for
Christ's body to be received before breaking the fast.

Reply Obj. 4: As stated in the Second Part (II-II, Q. 147, A. 6, ad
2), there are two kinds of fast. First, there is the natural fast,
which implies privation of everything taken before-hand by way of
food or drink: and such fast is required for this sacrament for the
reasons given above. And therefore it is never lawful to take this
sacrament after taking water, or other food or drink, or even
medicine, no matter how small the quantity be. Nor does it matter
whether it nourishes or not, whether it be taken by itself or with
other things, provided it be taken by way of food or drink. But the
remains of food left in the mouth, if swallowed accidentally, do not
hinder receiving this sacrament, because they are swallowed not by
way of food but by way of saliva. The same holds good of the
unavoidable remains of the water or wine wherewith the mouth is
rinsed, provided they be not swallowed in great quantity, but mixed
with saliva.

Secondly, there is the fast of the Church, instituted for afflicting
the body: and this fast is not hindered by the things mentioned (in
the objection), because they do not give much nourishment, but are
taken rather as an alterative.

Reply Obj. 5: That this sacrament ought to enter into the mouth of a
Christian before any other food must not be understood absolutely of
all time, otherwise he who had once eaten or drunk could never
afterwards take this s