Would disposable cups be permitted in an effort to avoid spreading germs when taking the precious blood? Have you ever heard of this being done before? (Not sure if this would even be practical)
How is it that we receive both the body and blood of Christ when just taking the bread at communion? Then why would we partake of the wine?
Thanks!
Dear Cat,
Paper cups are porous and cannot be adequately purified. But even if they could, a paper cup is not an appropriate receptacle for the Blood of Christ. During an outbreak of a contagious disease it would be appropriate to offer Communion under the appearance of bread alone.
One receives the full Body and Blood of Christ even if he receives only the Host or only from the chalice. Our Lord could easily have instituted the Eucharist under the appearance of bread alone. But the sign of bread AND wine signifies that His Blood was separated from His Body in death. It emphatically reminds us that He loves us so much that He died for us.
Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.
