# Gather us all: Opening our hearts to God
*2015-12-21*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Peter Canisius and explores the call to purify our hearts as we prepare for Christmas.

## Preparing for Christmas

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer N Lunch podcast. Today is Monday of Christmas week, and we are preparing for Christmas Day by reading a book called Opening Our Hearts to God: Praying through Advent with Pope Francis.

## The Legacy of St. Peter Canisius

Today is the feast day of Saint Peter Canisius. He was a renowned scholar in the 16th century, and many of his works are still accepted and utilized today.

## Scripture and Prayer

Our reading today is from James 4:8: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Our prayer for today is: Oh God, teach us your own special love for the little and the poor, for the excluded and the suffering, for sinners, and for the wounded of heart. Gather all people under your protection and give us your beloved son, Jesus.

*As we approach Christmas, we are called to purify our hearts and embrace God's special love for the marginalized and the suffering.*