The Branches
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. For he knows how we are formed, remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:13-14)
Hello Everyone —
In his prayer intention for June, the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pope Leo XIV encourages us, “Let us pray together that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from His Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.”
As you may be aware, on June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart.
So, in anticipation of the upcoming consecration and in preparation for the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 12, a novena is being encouraged wherever and whenever possible: in communities, parishes, homes, and hearts. As the novena gets underway on June 3, I encourage you to join our Holy Father, Pope Leo, in prayer:
Lord, I come to Your tender Heart today,
to You who have words that set my heart ablaze,
to You who pour out compassion on the little ones and the poor,
on those who suffer, and on all human miseries.
I desire to know You more, to contemplate You in the Gospel,
to be with You and learn from You and from the charity with which You allowed Yourself to be touched by all forms of poverty.
You showed us the Father’s love by loving us without measure with Your divine and human Heart.
Grant all Your children the grace of encountering You.
Change, shape, and transform our plans, so that we seek only You in every circumstance: in prayer, in work, in encounters, and in our daily routine.
From this encounter, send us out on mission, a mission of compassion for the world in which You are the source from which all consolation flows. Amen.
As always, my hope is that we strive to keep our prayer grounded, real, and without an attitude of having God at our beck and call. But sometimes it does not play out that way. For instance:
The story is told about an elderly man who had lived a good and pious life. But in his waning years, he felt that he had nothing to show for it. Finally, he fell upon his knees and prayed with greatest devotion. He cried out, “God, hear me. I’ve been a good man. I’ve never asked anything of you before – and I am truly grateful for all you have given me. So, please grant me just one request – let me win the lottery.” Weeks passed — and nothing happened — so again he prayed to win the lottery — and wouldn’t you know it — still nothing happened.
After months of persistent — but fruitless praying — the man cried to the heavens: “God, will you give me a break? All I’m asking is to be allowed to win the lottery!” Suddenly, a voice thundered from the throne of God, “Will you give me a break? At least buy a ticket!”
We all have to keep it real. I hope you enjoyed the humor.
As I do for you, please pray for me,
Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob
Archbishop of Milwaukee
