Fr. Dan Riley Clouds & Sun Reflections

Merry Christmas! May today and this season be full of light as the people who walked in darkness had seen a great light. Fr. Dan Riley, OFM, shares a reflection about the Birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. To learn more about Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Retreat, visit www.mounti.com. Music, "Let Us Go to Bethlehem" and "A Light Will Shine On Us This Day," by Cyprian Consiglio (used with permission). Recorded Dec. 23, 2012.

In this third week of Advent, our expectations rise more as the Lord is near. But how far is near? What does soon mean? Fr. Dan Riley, OFM, shares this reflection to describe the need for the peace of soon and near in our lives. We need peace in our lives. Take time to be quiet together or alone. To learn more about Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Retreat, visit www.mounti.com. Opening and closing music, "Echo of Your Peace," by Cyprian Consiglio (used with permission). Recorded Dec. 12, 2012, from Mt. Irenaeus.

Doormats can have a welcoming presence. Do we pay attention to the words on them as we walk into a room? During this second week of Advent, Fr. Dan Riley, OFM, invites us to prepare our hearts and our doorways with the joy of the season. To learn more about Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Retreat, visit www.mounti.com. Opening and closing music, "Echo of Your Peace," by Cyprian Consiglio (used with permission).

Advent. A season of expectation and promise, not of anxiety. Fr. Dan Riley, OFM, walks with us through this reflection so amid the anxiety of our life journeys, we come to know that amid the turmoil, we can stand up and celebrate the joy of the season, a season of expectation. Let us not cower, but gather to help each other stand up in the world. To learn more about Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Retreat, visit www.mounti.com. Opening and closing music, "Echo of Your Peace," by Cyprian Consiglio (used with permission).

It's Thanksgiving week and in this reflection, Fr. Dan Riley, OFM, invites us to give thanks whenever possible. And in moments of thanks this week, allow ourselves to open our hearts and minds to the love of God. To learn more about Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Retreat, visit www.mounti.com. Opening and closing music, "I, The  Lord," by Cyprian Consiglio (used with permission).

Have you taken an autumn walk? Have you encountered solitude and paradise? Listen to Fr. Dan Riley's reflection about the treasured sense of quiet that can lead to more open hearts so we can care for others. To learn more about Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Retreat, visit www.mounti.com. Opening and closing music, "Compassionate and Wise," by Cyprian Consiglio (used with permission).

Stand on our heads to begin anew! Ensure our hearts are open to God's reign given to us now. It's here for all the world. As we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, let's not be afraid, for the Father has given us the Kingdom! Let's somersault our lives to celebrate God's coming to us in every moment. To learn more about Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Retreat, visit www.mounti.com. Opening and closing music, "Do Not Fear," by Cyprian Consiglio (used with permission).

Autumn is upon us. As a new season beckons, are we listening? Are we hearing? Do we even see signs of spring in the fall? Fr. Dan Riley, OFM, invites us to listen more closely. To learn more about Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Retreat, visit www.mounti.com. Opening and closing music, "Vedahametam," by Cyprian Consiglio (used with permission).