Human systems depend on dividing people. Hatred of the other has persisted across time, geography, and religion. This points to something deeply unresolved in human nature. No society has fully learned how to live without creating outsiders. Even sacred rituals are often used to exclude. The ego clings to superiority through opposition. Without deep interior work, the pattern continues. Exclusion becomes habit. Fear drives identity. It appears we don’t know who we are except by opposition and exclusion. The holy meal was meant to model equality, but it is often turned into a reward for the worthy. Belonging is not earned. It is the starting point. Love must be received before it can be shared. Without that, unity remains a concept rather than a practice. Real transformation is rare, but essential.
Go now with eyes open to the ways of exclusion,
and live from the truth that belonging
is not earned but already given.
(inspired by Richard Rohr, Jesus’ Alternative Plan; Unity and Diversity)