November 3, 2014
Dear Friends and Family of the Diocese of Eau Claire,
Yesterday I was at St. Katharine’s Church in Owen and had the privilege of blessing and helping to release three white homing doves to commemorate the three people who were confirmed or received into the Church. The doves flew about two hours to their home in central Wisconsin.
When Jesus was baptized both Mark and Matthew describe the Holy Spirit coming upon Jesus like a dove. In the story of Noah and the Ark, Noah sends forth a dove to see if the waters had subsided from the earth. The dove brings back an olive branch to affirm that land was available. The dove with the olive branch has become a symbol of peace, for it precedes the covenant God made with Noah never again to flood the earth.
It is one thing to know about the doves. It is another to experience them. This is my second time of visiting St. Katharine’s and watching the doves ascend. They are majestic and symbolize to me the truth that the promises and knowledge of God that sustain us in this earthly life are important but cannot compare to the reality of the heavenly life that awaits us. With my love and best wishes, I am,
Your brother in Christ,
Jay