[Pablo Rafael]

The symbols of fire, wind and the dove are derived from events recorded in the Bible. When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove. On the day of Pentecost after Jesus has died and risen from the dead His disciples were hiding indoors when the power of the holy Spirit came upon them. The HS came in the sound of a rushing wind and as flames appearing over their heads. From that point on the disciples were tireless in their spread of the Gospel message.

I think fire and wind are great symbols for the Holy Spirit. They are energy, not substance. Wind is not easily illustrated so it hasn't become a commonly used symbol; fire and the dove have. The dove seems less effective as a symbol than fire in my opinion.

I think that the work of the Holy Spirit is often imperceptible. And when it is apparent, it is impossible to measure. Of all the attempts people have made to define and describe God I like the simple statement of John, "God is love". Love is hard to see, hard to measure, but its effect is real and powerful. In fact, I think love is more powerful than any other force in the universe.