I. The Response is Affirmative

362. As to the first question, the answer is plain in d.2 ‘On Consecration’ [Rep. IVA d.11. q.6; Gratian Decretum p.3 d.2 chs.4, 5].

363. The principal reason is that Christ instituted such matter, and as sign of his institution he used such consecrated matter.

364. That he also used wheat bread and not other bread is contained in the same place [n.362].

365. And the fittingness of this is taken from the words of John 12.24-25, “Unless a grain of wheats,” where Christ compares himself to a grain of wheat. Hence Augustine [On John tr.51 n.9, and Nicholas of Lyra in the Gloss], says on that place, “Although there are many grains from crops, he compares himself only to this one. Hence began the custom of the Church to confect the body of our Lord the Savior only from this grain.”

366. From this flour too, taken from wheat and prepared with elemental water, the bread should be made, because thus is it supposed that the bread was made which Christ used in his consecration; nor does bread paste [Latin: pasta] suffice, but bread, for so was it instituted.

367. And in all respects is there fittingness, for since this sacrament is a sign of spiritual nutriment it is fittingly instituted in those things that are signs of the principal nutriment of the body, and wheat bread is the principal nutriment as far as food is concerned.