The Fire That Never Dies: St Catherine’s Monastery
Standing at the foot of Mount Sinai within the ancient walls of St Catherine’s Monastery is a humbling experience. This isn’t just a historic site; it is a place where the veil between heaven and earth feels incredibly thin.
Enclosed by the fortress walls built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, I found myself between two of the most significant symbols of our faith: The
Burning Bush and Moses’ Well.
The Bush That Was Not Consumed
In the monastery courtyard, there is a vibrant bramble known as the Rubus sanctus. Tradition tells us this is the very spot where Moses encountered the Living God in a flame of fire. As I looked at the bush, I was struck by the miracle described in Exodus: the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. To me, this is a profound image of God’s nature:
A Self-Sustaining Fire: Unlike the monuments of the Pharaohs that crumble over time, God’s glory requires no earthly fuel. He is the source of His own life and power.
The Call to Holiness: When God told Moses to “take off your sandals,” He was reminding him that even the dust of the desert becomes holy in the presence of the Creator. It is a reminder to us all to approach our prayer and our service with deep humility.
Even today, this bush remains a living sign that the God who spoke to Moses is still present and active in our world today.
The Well: A Place of Divine Providence
Only a short walk from the chapel of the Burning Bush lies Moses’ Well. In the harsh, arid heat of the Sinai, a well is more than just a source of water; it is a source of life itself.
This is the traditional site where Moses, weary and fleeing for his life from Egypt, stopped to rest. It was here that he performed a simple act of charity by helping the daughters of Jethro water their flocks. That one moment at the well changed everything—it led Moses to a new home, a family, and the forty years of preparation he needed for his mission.
As believers, standing here with Emmie, my wife, the well speaks to us of God’s Providence:
Meeting Us in Our Weariness: Moses arrived at this well with nothing but his staff. Yet, God provided exactly what he needed for his future.
The Living Water: While the Burning Bush represents the “Fire of God” that calls us to action, the Well reminds us of the “Living Water” that sustains our souls when we are tired.
Lessons for the Journey
Standing between the bush and the well, the message for us is clear: Our Lord provides exactly what we need for the season we are in. If you are seeking direction or a “spark” for your faith, He is the Fire. If you are exhausted by the burdens of life and need to be refreshed, He is the Well.
Whether we are being refined by the fire of a new calling or resting by the quiet waters of His grace, we can be certain that we are standing on holy ground. The God who spoke to a humble shepherd thousands of years ago is the same God who walks with us today.