THE AMIABLE DOVE

It behooved the Holy Spirit to be manifested when coming upon Jesus, that everyone might understand that, if He has the Holy Spirit, He ought to be simple like the dove -- to maintain true peace with His brethren, which is what the kisses of doves signify. 

Ravens, it is true, have their kisses; but in ravens is a false peace; in doves it is the true peace. How then are the kisses of ravens to be distinguished from those of doves? Ravens kiss, but tear; doves kiss, but they are guiltless of tearing.

The dove's food is innocent fruits of the earth, a circumstance deserving admiration in the dove. Sparrows are very small birds, but they kill flies. Not so the dove, for it does not feed on what is dead. They who have torn the Church feed upon the dead. "Be ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves."

St. Augustine

(12-29-03)