ACC ~ Mark 1 v10c

THE IMAGE OF INNOCENCE

ORIGEN: A dove—a tame, innocent and simple bird. Hence we are taught to copy the innocence of doves. HOMILIES ON LUKE, HOMILY 27. [1]

[1] TLG 2042.016, 27.160.6-8; AEG 1:307.

THE ABSENCE OF GALL

TERTULLIAN: The Holy Spirit came in the form of a dove in order that the nature of the Holy Spirit might be made plain by means of a creature of utter simplicity and innocence. For the dove’s body has no gall in it. So after the deluge, by which the iniquity of the old world was purged away, after, so to speak, the baptism of the world, the dove as herald proclaimed to the earth the tempering of the wrath of heaven—sent forth from the ark and returning with an olive branch, [1] which is a sign of peace among the nations. ON BAPTISM 8. [2]

[1] Cf. Gen 8:11.

[2] Cetedoc 0008, 8.12; AEG 1:304*.

THE GENTLE DELIVERANCE

CHRYSOSTOM: But why in the form of a dove? The dove is a gentle and pure creature. Since then the Spirit, too, is “a Spirit of gentleness,” [1] he appears in the form of a dove, reminding us of Noah, to whom, when once a common disaster had overtaken the whole world and humanity was in danger of perishing, the dove appeared as a sign of deliverance from the tempest, and bearing an olive branch, published the good tidings of a serene presence over the whole world. [2] All these things were given as a type of things to come. … In this case the dove also appeared, not bearing an olive branch, but pointing to our Deliverer from all evils, bringing hope filled with grace. For this dove does not simply lead one family out of an ark, but the whole world toward heaven at her appearing. [3] And instead of a branch of peace from an olive tree, she conveys the possibility of adoption [4] for all the world’s offspring in common. THE GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 12.3. [5]

[1] Cf. Gal 5:22, which lists the fruit of the Spirit.

[2] Cf. Gen 8:11.

[3] The dove of Noah led one family to deliverance, while the dove of Jesus’ baptism led the whole family of God throughout the world to eternal peace.

[4] Adoption is into the family of God by faith.

[5] NPNF 1 10:77**, TLG 2062.152, 57. 205.25-35, 41-47; cf. GMI 15. The same phrase, “like a dove,” appears in Matthew, Mark and Luke.

THE VISIBLE WORD

AUGUSTINE: Why did the Son of God appear as a man and the Holy Spirit as a dove? [1] Because the Son of God came to show humanity a pattern for living, whereas the Holy Spirit made his appearance to bestow the gift which enables excellent living. [2] Moreover, both appearances surely came in a visible manner for the sake of carnal eyes. For we must pass by degrees through the visible sacraments from those things which are seen with the physical eyes to those things which are understood spiritually by the mind. For human words make a sound and then pass away. But when the divine Word is expressed, that which is signified by the words does not pass away. [3] QUESTIONS, QUESTION 43. [4]

[1] Mt 3:16; Mk 1:10; Lk 3:22; Jn 1:32.

[2] Cf. Rom 8:2, 10; Gal 6:8.

[3] Cf. Is 55:11.

[4] Cetedoc 0289, 43.1; FC 70:74-75*.

THE GIFT

AUGUSTINE: The dove is not for sale; it is given gratis. Hence it is called grace. TRACTATE ON JOHN 10.6.3. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0278, 10.6.24; FC 78:217.

A STRANGER TO MALICE

BEDE: The image of a dove is placed before us by God so that we may learn the simplicity favored by him. So let us meditate on the nature of the dove, that from each one of its features of innocence we may learn the principles of a more becoming life. The dove is a stranger to malice. So may all bitterness, anger and indignation be taken away from us, together with all malice. The dove injures nothing with its mouth or talons, nor does it nourish itself or its young on tiny mice or grubs, as do almost all smaller birds. Let us see that our teeth are not weapons and arrows. [1] HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.12. [2]

[1] Ps 57:4 (LXX 56:5).

[2] Cetedoc 1367, 1.12.197; HOG 1:120**.