I was gathering images for my talk next week and an image of a dove appeared in the search results. This was unexpected, as I was researching cathedrals, and the search words really shouldn’t have lead to this picture of a flying dove – an unmistakable image of the Holy Spirit. (I added the words and the fancy lens flare – but the dove itself came from the search.)
Once I saw it, quite a few thoughts came to mind. It’s not quite flying, but just ‘hanging there’ – focusing it’s whole attention on us. It seems to have arms outstretched towards us and is saying ‘Peace be with you’ – in the same way Father blesses us and gives us power during Mass. And – most strikingly – it seems to be bowing it’s head to us! An image of a humble God, wanting to share friendship, bestow blessings, and offer peace.
Perhaps we should also be humble, and accept the offer.
Peace,
Greg
Not exactly to do with the Dove, but by your remarks I see a man who looks for God in all things, and I love your interpretation of this seemingly simple image of a Dove – the wings in a stance of embrace, the head so humbly bowed … My wish is that we can ALL look for God in all that surrounds us. His presence is there – all we have to do is look!
The wings of the Dove, the embrace of God’s love!
It isn’t so much of what I see in that picture but more of what I feel when I look at it. The wings of the dove – God’s Holy Spirit – inviting me to be wrapped in his comfort and love. The feeling of knowing that I will be okay, that He is there always offering His love and comfort when I most need it.