Acts 9:10-20; May 4, 2025; Third Sunday of Easter
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I am just back from Disney World. Again. And like the last time, it was simply magical. And I am grateful. For the week off. For the time with my son. For the memories. But especially, for being back at EPCOT.
It’s my favorite park. My favorite part. There’s something so special about it. The food. The gardens. The flowers. But especially, the nations. All these different nations that are scattered about its “world showcase.” All these nations that are linked together. With different nationalities side by side, as visitors descend upon them one by one.
Seth and I didn’t see any arguments or disagreements. Not a one. Just everyone getting along. And it was almost strange, that at least in one world, on one showcase, all nations can actually come together and celebrate. Celebrate its differences and diversity, and in them find strength and unity.
And so, yes, I truly loved my vacation, and I thank you all for it, primarily because it brought me back to a moment, a place, a time, when things seemed just so much more simple. To a decade or so ago. To my childhood. And it’s blissful state of ignorance.
Where there, on nostalgia’s beautiful streets, I was able to receive a shot of hope and possibility that I desperately needed, such that I could re-enter this world, and these streets, rejuvenated, where nations aren’t exactly lining up side by side. Nor its people celebrating its differences and diversity.
In our scripture lesson today, another street from a seemingly different world is mentioned, and there, hope is also made manifest. It happens on a street called Straight. And believe it or not, you can still visit this street today, in our world. See the photo below – this is from about a hundred years ago.
This street, in Damascus, now known by many as Midhat Pasha, is able to be walked today. In the same footsteps of a man who was changed by God; where he, Saul, was rejuvenated, and in so being became Paul, transformed from an angry little man into a hopeful man, a giant in our history.
Yes, my friends, this street can still be found. On Google Maps, in person, but also, here and anywhere, where people walk straight towards forgiveness and redemption, unity and possibility.
You don’t need to go to Damascus. You don’t need to go to Disney (though I wish you all can). You don’t need to enter its world showcase in order to believe. To see magic and hospitality. You simply need to walk the path that travels straight, straight to Him and His Peace. Towards Jesus Christ and his hope.
And today, you can walk straight down this aisle, to His table where Jesus makes all things possible. Where He forgives and opens our eyes. Our hearts. Such that even the most skeptical and apathetic among us can believe.
In what’s possible.
Especially if we all gather together, linking our languages, our differences, our diversity… standing side by side, hand in hand… rather than arm against arms, and word against words.
So let it be.
Amen
