Softly Call the Muster - Pt 4

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ESV).

Celebrate. That is the final theme of Aggie Muster. The picture I have included with today’s devotional is of that group of men on Corregidor in 1942. Trapped and facing death or a Japanese POW camp, they still took time to celebrate. No, it might not have been light-hearted; however, it was celebratory. It might not have been raucous. In fact, I rather think it was somber and hushed. This was “Softly Calling the Muster.” It symbolizes that the spirit of the dead fills the minds and hearts of the living. And it reminds us that their mission of making the world a better place remains our call. We live to give our all while we remember those who have given all. Aggies light a candle for a loved one who has passed on. This year we included two very special “adopted” Aggies, the Former President of the United States and his beloved wife, George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush. For them and all the others, we recognize the giving Spirit of Aggies as it continues on among the living. Our reading today is a part of a larger text as the Apostle Paul reprimands the church in Corinth for their observance of the Lord’s Supper. It had degenerated to nothing more than eating and drinking. They forgot the real purpose. They neglected the memorial. They shunned their sacred duty which was born in the death of Jesus. We must not fall into that temptation. So, let me close our little series with I will close tonight with a portion of the poem written in 1943 by Dr. John Ashton, Class of 1906, at the request of E.E. McQuillen, Class of 1920. The original title was "The Heroes' Roll Call." Softly call the muster, Let comrade answer, “Here!” Their spirits hover ‘round us: As if to bring us cheer! Mark them "present" in our hearts, We’ll meet some other day. There is no Death, but Life Eterne For heroes such as they! Remember the work of Christ on your behalf! Honor Him with your service to others! Celebrate your new life!