A Leap of Faith
Posted on Feb 04, 2025 by Shari Van Baale
This past Sunday was Groundhog Day. As you may know, the official groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter. But don’t despair; his prediction is usually more wrong than right. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says between 2014 and 2023, Phil was right only 30% of the time.
Do you ever feel like you are repeating the same day over and over again, much like in the movie Groundhog Day? Maybe a voice in your head is telling you to try something different, but you are scared to make a change.
The disciples in this week’s Gospel might have felt that way too. We hear about several fishermen — Simon, James, and John — who aren’t having much luck catching any fish. Jesus gets into one of the boats and teaches the crowds from Simon’s boat. He tells Simon to put his net into the water once again. Simon is doubtful, saying “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5) But when they obey him, “they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to burst.” (Luke 5:6)
After this, “For he and all who were with him were astounded at the catch of fish that they had taken … When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:9-11)
These fishermen most likely spent each day the same — getting up early, catching fish, and going home exhausted each day. I am sure some days were successful and some were not.
I bet spending all day in a boat trying to catch fish with nothing to show for it was very frustrating to them. They were angry, tired, and doubtful that this man who has come along would make a difference if they tried one more time. But they obeyed him and the results were astounding. Not only that, they were so impressed with him that they left everything they owned and their loved ones without a word and immediately followed him. I want a faith like that!
Do you ever doubt God’s faithfulness? Do you want to do things on your own and not listen when he tells you to try something differently? Next time, take a leap of faith. You, too, might be astounded at the results.
Shari Van Baale
Salem Communications Coordinator