Expert: Sal - 4/15/2009

Question
I went to mass and took communion, however, I just had surgery on my mouth and started to choke on it, I tried to drink the wine to make it dissolve, however, it didn't help and I went and disposed of the communion wafer.  My mom was so upset that I put it in the trash, I am 43 yrs old and I panicked, I just didn't think about it and was grateful I didn't choke to death, is that so wrong when it involves your life?
Please respond!
Thank you
Jean

Answer
Dear Jean:

Getting the wafer out of your mouth so that you didn't choke was fine. However, disposing of it in the garbage was very wrong. You could have placed it in a napkin or handkerchief and at a later time returned it to the priest for proper disposal. You also could have consumed it by breaking it into small pieces to be consumed after you felt better. Never dispose of the Body of Christ in a garbage can. As you say you panicked so God will forgive you. Just keep what to do  in mind if a similar situation occurs in the future.

Sal