Today’s readings, including the conclusion of the gospel of John, indicate the end of the Easter Season and the preparation for the church’s celebration of Pentecost. Historians debate the causes of the spread of the church but the reality of that spread can only amaze. From a small group of people in Jerusalem, a religious practice spread throughout the Mediterranean and became a recognized religion in the early part of the 4th century and the legal religion by the end of that same century. Historians point to several causes for the spread of the church. First, the early Christians were enthusiastic, a Greek word that indicated “with God” en theos. The Christians lived and acted as if they had a special connection to God. For those who believed, this connection was created by the person of Jesus. Second, this idea of being with God and desiring God had a consequence in action. The early Christians were men and women whose own lives witnessed a high standard of life. And, as we read in Paul’s epistles, they were constantly admonished to live worthy of their calling. They loved their wives as Christ loved the church and they avoided the rowdy excess of the Roman life style such as drunken debaucheries, immodest dress, and violent video games. And third, this new religion cared for those for whom the rest of society seemed to reject, the poor and the marginalized. In short, a faith in Christ lead to a life style that served as an encouragement for others to join. This is not a bad description of events and certainly not a bad standard for contemporary Christians to remember as we remember the celebration of the beginnings of the Church.