The Dove

The Dove represents peace and the Holy Spirit. It is shown pointing down to represent the Holy Spirit that appeared as a dove when Jesus was baptized.

Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open
and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
Mark 1:10

Mark 1:10 illuminates what happened the moment Jesus emerged from his baptism. It describes the Holy Spirit descending from the torn apart heaven like a dove. Have you ever seen a dove land? It’s not a gentil graceful landing. It’s wings violently flap to not drop too fast and ends with an abrupt thud. To me I basically picture Jesus being slapped with a flutter and a sudden gush of the Holy Spirit, and then a calmness of completion.

I think we all have experienced turbulence in our lives, sometimes we need to stop and reflect on our baptismal covenant and allow the Holy Spirit to hit us with a sudden thud. I have often had to repent and follow the example Jesus. Often, its pride swallowing and the allowing of the Holy Spirit to do it’s work. I have received many joyful blessings in my life by allowing the Holy Spirit to take over.

How has the Holy Spirit hit you with a sudden thud?

G.A. Whitehead