Today this Scripture was fulfilled (Luke 4:21).

Don Bosco was visiting a wealthy family in Turin. They showed him their home and then their three sons. The mother pointed with pride to each of them, saying: ‘This one is studying medicine—he’ll be a doctor.’ This one has technical talent. He will undoubtedly become an engineer.’ When the youngest child stopped speaking, Don Bosco said that he would undoubtedly become a priest. The mother was shocked and replied, ‘He would rather die.’ Don Bosco was saddened. Some time later, the boy died. His death was not a punishment from God, but a warning that we do not control our fate; it is God who directs everything.

Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up. He entered the synagogue, opened the book, and read, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…” All eyes focused on him. Jesus’ final words were, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled.” The time has been fulfilled. Since the birth of Jesus divided history into the time before and after him, he has been here among us continuously in the Holy Church. Have we ever considered what we should leave behind and what we should adopt so that we, too, can say of ourselves that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us? He chooses men for this proclamation who will announce the gospel and call people to repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He is the one who keeps calling; he wants the basic proclamation of the coming of the Kingdom of God to be spread.

Indira Gandhi (1917-1984), the Indian Prime Minister, sent her children to study at Oxford University in England. Journalists reproached her, saying that even in India, there were already schools on par with English ones, that she was not patriotic enough, and that she was not serving the interests of India. She replied, “I want our people to understand the English mentality well so they can bring new ideas to raise India’s level.” Those who live in their environment will better assimilate its elements and transfer them to other cultures. Christ comes from the life of God, from the love of the Father for this world, and brings a new culture, a different life. Through Christ, we can be in the love of the Father. He will help us identify our mission among people, so we can say, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…” and help those with whom we live feel it too.