Today's first reading from 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 spoke of making greater progress and the Gospel spoke of the parable of the Wise Virgins. The following is a prayerful homily given today by our Msgr Bernard Powers on just how we as consecrated women can make greater progress in holy wisdom.     Make greater progress in prayer              by total abandonment to God              and humble surrender to the Holy Spirit

    Make greater progress in silence              by greater control of the inner faculties,              the intellect, the memory, the imagination

    Make greater progress in holiness              by being more like Christ in all you do              and all that you say

    Make greater progress in community living              by greater self-giving service...              be victims of love

    Make greater progress in living the Passion              by a greater fidelity to God's will              in the pattern of the day

    Make greater progress in the interior journey              by greater desire              for union with God

    Make greater progress in recollection              by selective reading...              by disciplined reading

    Make greater progress in loving              through hospitality,              that is, the readiness to be interrupted

    Make greater progress in loving Jesus in the Eucharist              by frequent spiritual communions              throughout the day

    Make greater progress in your love for the Virgin Mary              by inviting her into your sufferings              and your hunger for God

    Make greater progress in celebrating the Liturgy of the Hours              by fuller union with Jesus

    The wise virgin is she who strives to make progress              in all that pertains to greater love.