The Staff of Moses   Fr George Panackal V C

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When the desire to pray takes root in us, we can consider it as a positive sign. For example, when the telephone bell rings, it is a sign that someone desires to talk to us. In the book of Exodus, Moses had been dwelling in the palace of Pharaoh. He who was revelling in the realms of knowledge and sophistication is, in one moment, reduced to the position of a keeper of sheep. When Moses was liberated from the shackles of the thinking and knowledge of this world, God appeared to him. God is bringing Moses to the plane of humility. At that time what he has in his hand is just a staff. His refuge is in the security that the staff affords. God said to Moses, "Put that staff down". Moses dropped the staff that was his only support. The true nature of that staff was then revealed. It became a serpent. God taught Moses to put away this serpent, another form of sin; to discard the staff, his inseparable companion, his only constant support . Next God commanded him to pick it up. Only one condition was enjoined- seize it by the tail. When it was thus held the snake became the old staff.
 
Then changes occurred in the life of Moses. There is a clear sense of purpose. Moses decides to give importance to that which the Lord considered as important. The Bible says, "Moses carried the staff of God in his hand"(Ex 4:2) (not his own staff). With this he went to Pharaoh's palace. Let us ask ourselves at this time: in what have I placed my trust? In God or in anything else?