He represents the condition of modern society worn out by the fever of passion, unable to help itself
until faith in God returns. A humble confession of sin is the secret of obtaining God's "mercy" (Introit) and "pardon" (Prayer).
The Epistle, referring to the dying days of late autumn bids us "redeem the time" we may have lost in the preparing during the spring and summer of life. Nevertheless, if we but return to God with "all hope, in due season" He will fill us with "blessing" (Gradual); for our Holy Sacrifice will be a healing "medicine" against eternal death (Secret) while the Holy Sacrament will now help us to live as God commands (Postcommunion).
When the centurion received "blessings," especially of faith, he immediately propagated the faith in his "whole house" of relations and workmen. In these days of religious ignorance, God expects us to be lay apostles out of a sense of gratitude and to be ready to "speak religion" in and outside the house.
Today, commemoration of the Maternity of the BVM is made, honouring the title of Mother of God given by the Council of Ephesus.