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 this day 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.
Sunday 10th October is the Feast of St. Francis Borgia C., who entered the Jesuit Order after the death of his wife and family, and was second successor of S. Ignatius, known for his humility. Although not commemorated in the Mass using the 1962 Missal, pray to the Saint for strength and humility in facing the world these days.