The Opus Imperfectum in Matthaeum and Transubstantiation

Q. The Opus Imperfectum in Matthæum and transubstantiation?

 

Opus Imperfectum in Matthæum (c. 5th Century A.D.): (An Anonymous Commentary on Matthew)

…in the eleventh homily upon Matthew: Quod si hæc vasa sanctificata ad privatos usus est transferre periculosum, in quibus non verum corpus Christi, sed mysterium corporis Christi continetur, quanto magis vasa corporis nostri? “If it be so perilous a matter to translate these sanctified vessels unto private uses, in the which not the true body of Christ, but a mystery of the body of Christ is contained, how much more then these vessels of our body?” (J. P. Minge, Patrologiæ Cursus Completus, [1859], Patrologiæ Græcæ, Tomus LVI, Opus Imperfectum in Matthæum, Homil. XI, Col. 691). Here [on the note see Here] Trans. (Edmund Grindal, The Remains of Edmund Grindal, Edited for the Parker Society by Rev. William Nicholson, Winchester. [Cambridge: Printed at the University Press M.DCCC.XLIII.], p. 67). Here

A portion of this text [in quibus non est verum corpus Christi, send mysterium corporis ejus continetur] does not appear in all manuscripts. 

The editions of Antwerp 1537, Paris 1543 and 1557, omit this passage, though it exists in more ancient editions, one of which is as old as 1487. The object in corrupting this passage is obvious. (J. H. Treat, The Catholic Faith; Or, Doctrines of the Church of Rome Contrary to Scripture and the Teaching of the Primitive Church, [1888], pp. 177-178). Here

 

For if Christ were present, the faithful could not have been tried and proved whether they were true faithful: seeing that if He be present, he is not believed, but seen: but when He is absent, He is not seen, but believed,while He is feared. Christ being present, therefore, although they might sustain some trial for His sake, that they might work righteousness, yet their work does not seem to be in faith, but in the eyes. (J. P. Minge, Patrologiæ Cursus Completus, [1859], Patrologiæ Græcæ, Tomus LVI, Opus Imperfectum in Matthæum, Homil. LIII, Col. 935). Here Trans. (J. H. Treat, The Catholic Faith; Or, Doctrines of the Church of Rome Contrary to Scripture and the Teaching of the Primitive Church, [1888], p. 162). Here

 

How can I declare him not a Christian whom I see confessing Christ, having an altar, offering the sacrifice of bread and wine, etc. (J. P. Minge, Patrologiæ Cursus Completus, [1859], Patrologiæ Græcæ, Tomus LVI, Opus Imperfectum in Matthæum, Homil. XIX, Col. 737). Here Trans. (J. H. Treat, The Catholic Faith; Or, Doctrines of the Church of Rome Contrary to Scripture and the Teaching of the Primitive Church, [1888], p. 178). Here

~ Soli Deo Gloria