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Objection 1: It seems that wine of the grape is not the proper
matter of this sacrament. Because, as water is the matter of
Baptism, so is wine the matter of this sacrament. But Baptism can
be conferred with any kind of water. Therefore this sacrament can be
celebrated in any kind of wine, such as of pomegranates, or of
mulberries; since vines do not grow in some countries.
Objection 2: Further, vinegar is a kind of wine drawn from the
grape, as Isidore says (Etym. xx). But this sacrament cannot be
celebrated with vinegar. Therefore, it seems that wine from the grape
is not the proper matter of this sacrament.
Objection 3: Further, just as the clarified wine is drawn from
grapes, so also are the juice of unripe grapes and must. But it does
not appear that this sacrament may be made from such, according to what
we read in the Sixth Council (Trull., Can. 28): "We have
learned that in some churches the priests add grapes to the sacrifice of
the oblation; and so they dispense both together to the people.
Consequently we give order that no priest shall do this in future."
And Pope Julius I rebukes some priests "who offer wine pressed from
the grape in the sacrament of the Lord's chalice." Consequently,
it seems that wine from the grape is not the proper matter of this
sacrament.
On the contrary, As our Lord compared Himself to the grain of
wheat, so also He compared Himself to the vine, saying (Jn.
15:1): "I am the true vine." But only bread from wheat is the
matter of this sacrament, as stated above (Article 3).
Therefore, only wine from the grape is the proper matter of this
sacrament.
I answer that, This sacrament can only be performed with wine from
the grape. First of all on account of Christ's institution, since
He instituted this sacrament in wine from the grape, as is evident
from His own words, in instituting this sacrament (Mt.
26:29): "I will not drink from henceforth of this fruit of the
vine." Secondly, because, as stated above (Article 3), that is
adopted as the matter of the sacraments which is properly and
universally considered as such. Now that is properly called wine,
which is drawn from the grape, whereas other liquors are called wine
from resemblance to the wine of the grape. Thirdly, because the wine
from the grape is more in keeping with the effect of this sacrament,
which is spiritual; because it is written (Ps. 103:15):
"That wine may cheer the heart of man."
Reply to Objection 1: Such liquors are called wine, not properly
but only from their resemblance thereto. But genuine wine can be
conveyed to such countries wherein the grape-vine does not flourish,
in a quantity sufficient for this sacrament.
Reply to Objection 2: Wine becomes vinegar by corruption; hence
there is no returning from vinegar to wine, as is said in Metaph.
viii. And consequently, just as this sacrament may not be made from
bread which is utterly corrupt, so neither can it be made from
vinegar. It can, however, be made from wine which is turning sour,
just as from bread turning corrupt, although he who does so sins, as
stated above (Article 3).
Reply to Objection 3: The juice of unripe grapes is at the stage of
incomplete generation, and therefore it has not yet the species of
wine: on which account it may not be used for this sacrament. Must,
however, has already the species of wine, for its sweetness indicates
fermentation which is "the result of its natural heat" (Meteor.
iv); consequently this sacrament can be made from must. Nevertheless
entire grapes ought not to be mixed with this sacrament, because then
there would be something else besides wine. It is furthermore
forbidden to offer must in the chalice, as soon as it has been squeezed
from the grape, since this is unbecoming owing to the impurity of the
must. But in case of necessity it may be done: for it is said by the
same Pope Julius, in the passage quoted in the argument: "If
necessary, let the grape be pressed into the chalice."
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