After some time had passed, the Jewish leaders plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night so that they might kill him; but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. (Acts 9:23-25)

              There was a time when Saul was on their side. He went from town to town and house to house rounding up anyone thought to be a follower of Jesus and having them thrown in jail. He was determined to stamp out this movement and the leaders of the temple were firmly on his side.

              Then came “the road to Damascus” and Saul’s conversion. The risen Christ appeared to him and Saul (soon to be renamed Paul) “saw the light.” Now, rather than persecuting Christians he was proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in the synagogues. Now, rather than approving of all he did, the Jewish leaders wanted him dead.

              Those leaders could not envision a world where both synagogue and church coexisted in peace. They couldn’t imagine a world where they practice their beliefs while others practice something different. They couldn’t dream of a world where we all get along.

              Can we?

              Can we imagine, and then courageously build, a world where we respect one another in all our diversity? Can we, despite the urging of our most fearful instincts, lower our guard as Saul’s friends lowered him—gently, daringly, with hope for a world at peace? Can we imagine a world big enough for all despite our differences?

              I believe we can.