When he had been baptized, Jesus saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon him.

This is Max Locato.

The Holy Spirit is depicted in many different forms in Scripture, but here at the coronation of Christ,

the Spirit chose to descend gently as a dove. Why? Well, part of the answer might lie in the maternal tenderness

of the Holy Spirit. In biblical times, the dove was a feminine symbol, and the Hebrew word for spirit

was feminine. There are occasions when we need a father's strength, and God our father provides it. There are occasions when we need a father's strength, and God our father provides it.

There are occasions when we need the friendship of a brother.

And Jesus, our spiritual sibling, offers it.

Yet there are many times in which our spirits are troubled and anxious.

We long for the tranquil assurance of a loving mother.

For this, we turn to the Holy Spirit.