The Second Vatican described the church as a pilgrim people journeying toward salvation.  In many ways these words describe the early Christian communities.  Following Jesus Christ was a new way of living one’s life.  It required the followers to abandon their old habits and embrace a new “Way” as early Christianity was called.  Through Jesus, preaching and that of his apostles many felt the call of the Spirit to join this new “Way”.  The great challenge of Jesus to take his words to the ends of the earth was followed by the energy of the Pentecost event.  Yet what did things look like the day after Pentecost? There were many questions. How would this wonderful commission take shape?  With the Pentecost event the journey was just beginning.  In order to spread the word of Jesus throughout the world the apostles had to go to cities that were prominent.  Much like someone who is interested in theater would move to New York or Los Angles, the apostles took the message of Jesus to places where they would have the most effect.  Rome the center of government, Corinth the seaport town and Philippi the leading town in Macedonia as well as others were all destinations.  These cities were inhabited by people from every walk of life who professed many different religions.  The unique appeal of Christianity was its invitation to all regardless of social status, race or gender.  Jesus had invited all to the banquet and his church would do the same.  Many responded to the call and found a home.  Yet the journey was far from over.  Jesus said, “Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst”.  Yet it was also true that whenever the communities gathered in the name of Jesus there was politics.  The Jewish Christians saw the Gentile Christians as second class Christians and insisted felt the Gentiles should be circumcised.  There were the questions of equality and justice when it came time to distribute food.  What was the place of women in the realization of Jesus’ vision?  Who was to get the seats of prominence when the communities gathered for prayer?  When one reads the New Testament it seems the communities had more questions than answers.  The Letter to the Corinthians addresses some of the topics that were common to the early Christian communities. Paul comments on the rivalries in the community and then responds to the questions the community has.  He states his views on social status, addresses problems arising from living in a pagan environment and comments on liturgical assemblies and how one should dress.  If any of this description sounds familiar it should.  The journey continues today with the same challenges.  All of our parishes still wrestle with similar questions.  Despite the challenges the church continues to grow throughout the world.  The original communities flourished because they embraced the diversity and gifts each person brought to the Eucharistic table.  In doing so they gave thanks to God for their blessings and rekindled the hope of Pentecost.