Softly Call the Muster - Pt 1

And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24:31-35 ESV).

Today, the day after Easter, is a particular holiday that for Aggies that is made even better by the celebration of “Muster.” Muster began in some capacity in 1883 and grew over the decades. No matter the forum, it was always a place to remember the good ‘ole days and enjoy the company of fellow Aggies. In 1922 it was decided that April 21 would become the official day for Muster (though this year, because of Easter, it has moved a day). Like every Aggie knows, once it had happened twice it was officially a tradition. In fact, the official “Muster explanation” is given for us in the following: Aggie Muster is a tradition unique to Texas A&M University that embodies and perpetuates the Aggie Spirit. Celebrated on April 21st every year, Muster engages thousands of Aggies worldwide to honor and celebrate the Aggie Family – past, present, and future. It is famously quoted “If there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.” Although over a century has passed and thousands of Musters have been held, the roots remain the same of honoring the Aggies who have passed and celebrating those gathered together. Perhaps the most famous Muster occurred in 1942 on the island of Corregidor in the Philippines during World War II. It was there that Aggie soldiers defending the island gathered together to take role and honor those of their friends that had died defending the island. Of the 24 Aggies trapped and facing death or capture, 12 died. When MacArthur returned and defeated the Japanese recapturing the strategic island, the story was told and became an incredible inspiration to win that war. Even four years later Muster was held there with over 100 Aggies present, “softly calling the muster” of those who had given their lives for freedom. In my home county in Texas, the Parker County Aggie Club will gather this evening for our annual Muster. I have been asked to be the speaker. Over the next few days I hope to both educate you in the traditions and inspire you with the depth of the call to remember the great gift of Christ we have just celebrated. Muster is a time for Aggies to remember, honor, and celebrate. Once the Easter Eggs have all been found, the food all eaten, and family returned to their homes, we can do no less as followers of Christ. Our hearts should “burn within us” as with those disciples traveling to Emmaus! Everyday ought to be spent remembering the greatest of all gifts, the death of our Savior. His resurrection allows us to know death is not the end. It is only a beginning!