The episcopal staff carried by the bishop is a reminder that he, as bishop or “overseer,” has been called upon by God to be a shepherd to Christ’s Holy Church. Therefore, this [shepherd’s] staff is generally embellished with the Cross of Christ on top and two snakes on either side. At first, this may seem disconcerting, but its symbolism is based purely on scripture. The motif is reminiscent of the brass serpent erected by Moses in the desert (Numbers 21). When the Israelites were bitten by poisonous snakes (being the sign of sin and earthly/demonic wisdom) the brass serpent that was lifted up became an archetype of the Cross itself: the instrument that would triumph over the poisonous and lethal power of sin. Hence, the snakes on the staff recall this story and the words of the Lord: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up” (John 3:14).
Another way to consider these snakes it to see them not as symbols of false wisdom (James 3:15) but of true and holy wisdom, as in our Lord’s teaching: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16).
