Tractates on the Gospel of John (continued)
TRACTATE 6 133 of doves is innocent of laceration. Where, then, there is laceration, there is not true peace in kisses; they have true peace who have not lacerated the Church. For ravens feed on death; the dove does not have this characteristic. It lives on the fruits of the earth; its food is innocent, and this, brothers, must be truly admired in the dove. Sparrows are very small; even they kill flies. The dove does none of this; for it does not feed itself on death. Those who have lacerated the Church feed themselves on the dead.
(3) God is powerful; let us ask him that they who are devoured by them and do not perceive it may come to life again. Many recognize this because they come to life again; for at their coming we daily rejoice in the name of Christ. You, be simple, but only in such a way that you may be fervent and let your fervor be on your tongues. Do not be silent; but speaking with glowing tongues, enkindle the frigid. 5. What then, my brothers? Who cannot see what they do not see? And no wonder, since they do not wish to return from there, like the raven which was sent from the ark. For who cannot see what they do not see? And they are ungrateful to the Holy Spirit himself. Look, the dove descended upon the Lord, and upon the baptized Lord; and there appeared therein that holy and true Trinity which is to us one God.
For the Lord ascended from the water, as we read in the gospel: "And behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spn it of God descending as a dove and it remained upon him. And immediately a voice followed: 'You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.'" The Trinity appears very clearly: the Father in the voice, the Son in the man, the Spirit in the dove.
(2) As for what purpose the apostles were sent in this Trinity, let us see what we do see and what an amazing thing it is that they do not see [it]. For, the fact is, it is not true that they do not see, but they close their eyes to that which hits them in the face, that is the purpose for which the apostles were sent,
13. Cf. Mk 1.10-11, Mt 3.16—17, Lk 3.21-22; Augustine's text differs from all three.