I was walking the short distance from Ba presbytery to a nearby supermarket. An I Taukei (indigenous Fijian) lady in front of me almost stumbled. The thong of her flip flop had snapped. I felt a vague sympathy for her.
I left the footpath and began to cross the road. I heard another grunt of frustration from her. Turning I saw that she had tried to fix the thong of the flip flop, but to no avail. It detached again. The thought crossed my mind to give her the price of a new pair. I hesitated. Would it be appropriate? Then I realized that the thought could be an inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I came to the conclusion that, with Christmas approaching, the inspiration was from a good spirit.
I turned back and offered her some money. She seemed a little surprised but accepted without hesitation. I wished her a happy Christmas and turned again in the direction of the supermarket. I felt at peace. It was no big deal. I didn’t know the lady. It was done and we could both move on.
A long time aspiration of mine has been to allow myself to be more directed by the Holy Spirit in daily life. This encounter seemed like a partial realization of that desire.
by Fr Frank Hoare
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