Epiphany, Asperger’s & Me

If you have you ever felt excluded, or if you have ever been excluded, then this blog is for you.

I have to confess that, outside of my family, I have never really felt like I belonged, I have never really known where I fit. A lot of it has to do with the fact that I have Asperger’s. As anyone with Asperger’s can tell you, social interactions can be tricky to negotiate. You’re always second guessing yourself – “did I say the appropriate thing? Did I really understand what he/she was saying?” You get the idea. And you can never shake the feeling that you are on the ‘outside.’

That’s what makes this week so special to me. Today is the Feast of Epiphany and this coming Sunday we will celebrate the Baptism of our Lord. There is good news in both of these celebrations for anyone who feels like an outsider.

Epiphany used to be one of the most important celebrations of the church year, eclipsing even Christmas. Epiphany (which comes from the Greek ‘manifestation’) combined four different events where God was revealed to humankind: the birth of Jesus, the wedding at Cana, the visit of the Magi and the baptism of Jesus. At some point the birth of Jesus was removed from Epiphany and made its own celebration.

The whole point of Epiphany is that God has been revealed to the world. And by world, I mean the whole world. There was an exclusionary attitude among some leaders in the early church. These leaders argued that only Jews could be followers of Jesus. But, after some serious discussion, it was decided that yes, non-Jews could also be followers of the Way. “The Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,” as Paul wrote to the faithful at Ephesus.

Epiphany is a celebration of God’s inclusiveness. We need look no further than the Wise Men. They certainly weren’t Jews. But, God chose to reveal Godself to them. This is God’s way of declaring that all people, no matter their ethnic background, etc. are welcome. It’s God’s way of saying that you belong.

The same is true of the Baptism of Jesus. At the Jordan Jesus received affirmation of who he was – God’s Son. In the same way at our baptism God receives us and declares us to be beloved sons and daughters. Whether you are dunked or sprinkled the results are the same: Hands reach out to hold you, lift you up and proclaim “you are mine.” You have become part of a very large family.

If you feel like an outsider, if you feel that you need to make yourself good enough for God to love you, do what Martin Luther did. When Luther was assailed by doubt and depression he would cry out “I am baptized!” It may not sound like much, but it is everything. It says that you are God’s. It says that you belong. And it says that you are loved.

Happy Epiphany!