DOVE OF GOD

The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit and I have always wondered why. It is only one symbol and fire is another and there are perhaps several. But the dove is expressly chosen by God to represent the entry of Jesus into our world by a ‘sign’ or ‘wonder’ at His baptism. The dove descends and the text says, “And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him.” The Father speaks, “A voice out of the heavens, says, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

This is one of those very Trinitarian verses where the presence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all-together; the Father by voice, the Holy Spirit by dove and Jesus the Son, as he was being baptized into our humanity. His baptism is to identify with the entire human race. He is identifying with Adam’s race, the first race. He has become Adam’s race, our race, and just like us… but filled with the Spirit of the Father just as we are invited to be as well.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” Jesus