"Consider the reason why the Holy Ghost assumed the shape of a dove when He consecrated and dedicated our Lord to the office of Redeemer. As at the time of the deluge it was the dove which, by returning to Noe with the branch of an olive tree, apprised the patriarch of the subsidence of the terrible flood, so the sacred dove appeared on this occasion with the mystic olive branch of peace and reconciliation, to signify that, from that time forth, the waters of the spiritual deluge were decreasing, and the world, inundated by sin and vice, was about to be restored through Christ to its pristine form and condition. Would that the Holy Ghost would also descend upon us with the olive branch of peace and reconciliation with God! Has He thus descended upon you?" (ILG — Clarke, Meditations)
"Consider another signification which the dove has for us. From time immemorial the dove has been regarded as the symbol of purity, because it is so careful not to contract the slightest defilement, and never alights on any place that is not clean. And by hovering over the head of our Lord in the form of a dove, what does the Holy Spirit give us to understand, if not that the Lord Jesus is not only Himself free from every stain of sin, but that through Him the whole of mankind should be cleansed from sin in the waters of baptism? May this be indeed the case with your soul; may you, who are a temple of the Holy Ghost, be also a dove, fearful lest the least impurity should stain your soul, and never frequenting places where you might be defiled; that is to say, never listening to sinful conversation or ungodly discourses, holding aloof from undesirable society. Let the resolution to act thus, and the renewal of your baptismal vows, close your meditation to-day." (ILG —Clarke, Meditations)
CALL TO ACTION: Remember that the Holy Ghost, having taken the form of a dove, will always be present in the lives of the Faithful even to the consummation!
Source of quotations: "Fountain of Living Water" by Rev. A. A. Lambing LL.D., paragraph 1 - pages 23-24 & paragraph 2 - pages 58-59; Fr. Pustet & Co. Publishers and Booksellers (copyright 1907); Nihil Obstat: Remigius Lafort, S.T.L., Censor; Imprimatur: John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York
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