And this is my primary objection to the Roman Catholic Church's teaching about the purpose of communion. The "sacrificial" nature over the "remembrance". It is why the Mass is a fundamental obligation and necessary for salvation and becomes another "work" that man must do to merit salvation.
It is entirely incorrect to say all Protestants do not recognize the "real presence" and that only the Catholics get it right. The very first Protestant Church (Moravian) even today accepts the real presence in the celebration of the Lord's Supper, Communion, Love Feast, Eucharist or however you want to label it. No Protestant church that I have ever attended treated this service in a flippant or unsolemn way. This is an entirely different subject, however, in insisting that a person MUST attend Mass and receive the body and blood of Christ repeatedly in order to receive the grace needed for sanctification.
When I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior, I received him and, from that point on, I am justified, sanctified, made righteous, redeemed, set apart, at-one-with God, his child forever, sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, never to be lost or cast out of his hands. Participation with the body of Christ in the commemoration of Christ's sacrifice for me is an honor and privilege. It reminds me of what it cost him and causes me to examine myself and to root out any bitterness or unforgiveness I may have towards others and to confess my sinfulness and unworthiness of his grace. It is a time of praise and true worship out of a heart of gratitude for his undeserved mercy and love. Why some feel that they must belittle that is beyond me.
Priviledge and honor and also a command, “be doing” this as Luke 22:19 says.
Thanks for your comment, well said.