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Objection 1: It seems that water ought not to be mixed with the
wine, since Christ's sacrifice was foreshadowed by that of
Melchisedech, who (Gn. 14:18) is related to have offered up
bread and wine only. Consequently it seems that water should not be
added in this sacrament.
Objection 2: Further, the various sacraments have their respective
matters. But water is the matter of Baptism. Therefore it should
not be employed as the matter of this sacrament.
Objection 3: Further, bread and wine are the matter of this
sacrament. But nothing is added to the bread. Therefore neither
should anything be added to the wine.
On the contrary, Pope Alexander I writes (Ep. 1 ad omnes
orth.): "In the sacramental oblations which in mass are offered to
the Lord, only bread and wine mixed with water are to be offered in
sacrifice."
I answer that, Water ought to be mingled with the wine which is
offered in this sacrament. First of all on account of its
institution: for it is believed with probability that our Lord
instituted this sacrament in wine tempered with water according to the
custom of that country: hence it is written (Prov. 9:5):
"Drink the wine which I have mixed for you." Secondly, because it
harmonizes with the representation of our Lord's Passion: hence
Pope Alexander I says (Ep. 1 ad omnes orth.): "In the
Lord's chalice neither wine only nor water only ought to be offered,
but both mixed because we read that both flowed from His side in the
Passion." Thirdly, because this is adapted for signifying the
effect of this sacrament, since as Pope Julius says (Concil.
Bracarens iii, Can. 1): "We see that the people are signified
by the water, but Christ's blood by the wine. Therefore when water
is mixed with the wine in the chalice, the people is made one with
Christ." Fourthly, because this is appropriate to the fourth effect
of this sacrament, which is the entering into everlasting life: hence
Ambrose says (De Sacram. v): "The water flows into the
chalice, and springs forth unto everlasting life."
Reply to Objection 1: As Ambrose says (De Sacram. v), just
as Christ's sacrifice is denoted by the offering of Melchisedech, so
likewise it is signified by the water which flowed from the rock in the
desert, according to 1 Cor. 10:4: "But they drank of the
spiritual rock which came after them."
Reply to Objection 2: In Baptism water is used for the purpose of
ablution: but in this sacrament it is used by way of refreshment,
according to Ps. 22:3: "He hath brought me up on the water of
refreshment."
Reply to Objection 3: Bread is made of water and flour; and
therefore, since water is mixed with the wine, neither is without
water.
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