March 27, The Resurrection of the Lord, The Mass of Easter Day
Cycle C. Readings:
1) Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
2) Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
Gospel: John 20:1-9
The third-highest-viewed TED Talk, by Simon Sinek, is titled, “How Great Leaders Inspire Action.” He gave this talk in September 2009, and it has been viewed more than 25 million times. On the surface, it is about marketing and sales, as he compares successful companies, ideas and people with others in the same field that were not as accomplished. But when viewed from another perspective, Sinek’s talk reveals a truth of our faith.
The premise of his presentation is that “people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” He used this idea to frame why some organizations excel and others don’t. Basically, he pointed out that when a company knows why it exists, it knows its purpose, and if it shares that purpose with the world, other like-minded people will jump on the bandwagon and buy its product.
This TED Talk came to mind while I was reading the Scriptures for Easter Sunday. St. Paul says: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above.” The connection is that we have to know our “why” if we are going to know our purpose.
The why for Christians is the Resurrection! If Jesus is not raised from the dead, then we are all fools for believing in him. Jesus is our “why,” and we need to seek the things that lead us to this “why” and then lead others to this “why.”
Another connection between Sinek’s TED Talk and the Christian life can be made if we see ourselves as on the marketing team for God: He is management, we are sales, and if we do not know the “why” of the kingdom, we won’t make many “sales.”
People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. When we know the “why” of the kingdom of God, we have direction for our lives. But even more so, when we share the “why” of our faith, we reveal a truth that the world does not have to offer. Namely, that through Jesus our sins are forgiven, and we will appear with him in glory.
Live and share the why of our faith, and set the world on fire for the love of God.
— Jeff Hedglen
QUESTIONS:
How would you describe the “why” of Christianity? Why are you a follower of Jesus? How has the Resurrection made an impact on your life?
