The Surprise Dove

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

3 thoughts on “The Surprise Dove

  1. 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!

  2. 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.

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