In a world often marked by division, it’s easy to feel disconnected—from each other, from the earth, even from the divine. But what if our understanding of connection could be deepened by the very language that Jesus spoke? This week, I’ve been reflecting on the Aramaic word Alaha, a word that holds profound meaning and invites us into a greater awareness of sacred unity.
The Language of Jesus and the Meaning of Alaha
Years ago, I met a young woman from the Middle East speaking a language that was neither Arabic nor Hebrew. When I asked her what language she was speaking, she replied, “It’s Aramaic—the language of Jesus.” That moment stayed with me, and in my recent reading of The Hidden Gospel by Neil Douglas-Klotz, I’ve been reminded of the richness that Aramaic brings to our understanding of Jesus’ words.
In Western traditions, we use the word God—a term that carries layers of meaning, often shaped by personal experience, theology, and cultural context. But the Aramaic word Alaha conveys something deeper: sacred unity, an all-encompassing connection. It is not a pantheistic claim that everything is God, but rather an invitation to recognize that everything exists within the divine presence, held together by love.
A Call to Recognize Our Shared Sacredness
If we understand Alaha as sacred unity, we begin to see that we are all deeply interconnected. The breath we take in, ruha—the Aramaic word for spirit, breath, wind—comes from a shared atmosphere. We inhale from this sacred unity and exhale back into it. Our very existence is woven together.
This understanding becomes especially important when we encounter exclusion and injustice. The sacred unity of all people is not just an abstract idea; it is a lived reality. When systems or policies push some people to the margins, when voices are silenced and dignity is denied, we are not just witnessing an isolated act of injustice—we are witnessing a break in sacred unity.
For those who work tirelessly to include the excluded, to advocate for justice, and to remind the world of the dignity of all people, this perspective is grounding. Our work is not primarily against something—it is for something: the wholeness and restoration of sacred unity.
Moving Beyond Division
It is easy to fall into the temptation of demonizing those who create division. When we see harm being done, anger is a natural response. But Alaha calls us to something greater. Even those who exclude, even those who oppress, are still within sacred unity. Recognizing this doesn’t mean condoning harm, but it does shift our approach. Our calling is not just to tear down injustice but to rebuild connection—to remind others and ourselves of the unity that already exists but is so often forgotten.
A Practice of Sacred Awareness
If the word God has become too familiar, too small, or even too burdened by past experiences, consider using Alaha in your prayers and reflections. Let it remind you of the deep connection between all things, the divine presence that holds us together. Let it ground your actions, your advocacy, and your love.
As we work for justice, inclusion, and peace, may we do so not just in opposition to brokenness, but in alignment with the sacred unity that has always been. And through it all, remember: you are infinitely precious and unconditionally loved for the gift you already are.
Infinitely Precious 