Episode 3037: The Importance of the Interregnum - Morning Episode

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Speak Lord for your Servant is Listening
Book Recommendation of the Day
The Cloud of Unknowing (Anonymous, 14th century)

A mystical work on contemplation and union with God.

The Importance of the Interregnum
The period between the death (or resignation) of a pope and the election of his successor is known as the interregnum, a Latin term meaning “between reigns.” For traditionally minded Catholics, this time is one of profound significance, both spiritually and ecclesially.
In the absence of a reigning pope, the Church enters a phase of deep vulnerability but also great potential. The Chair of Peter is vacant (Sede Vacante), and with it, the visible head of the Church on earth is temporarily absent. In this sacred pause, the governance of the universal Church is entrusted to the College of Cardinals, who are charged with organizing the conclave to elect the new Vicar of Christ.
For traditional Catholics, who uphold the timeless teachings, disciplines, and liturgical expressions of the faith, this period is pivotal. The future direction of the Church its defense of doctrine, reverence in worship, and fidelity to Sacred Tradition will be deeply affected by the man chosen to ascend the Throne of Peter. A holy, courageous, and orthodox pope can be a source of immense renewal and restoration. A worldly or heterodox one can lead to further confusion, error, and scandal.
What Should We Be Doing During the Interregnum?
1. Pray and Fast: The most important action we can take is spiritual. Offer daily prayers, Rosaries, and acts of reparation for the cardinal electors, asking the Holy Ghost to guide their decision. Consider fasting or offering sacrifices for the election of a holy and traditional pope.
2. Entrust the Process to Our Lady: As Queen of the Clergy and Mother of the Church, Our Lady must be invoked constantly during this time. Pray the Rosary with intention for the Church and ask her intercession for the conclave.
3. Remain Firm in the Faith: During times of uncertainty, cling to the perennial teachings of the Church. Study the writings of the Church Fathers, the teachings of past popes, and the documents of the Councils before Vatican II.
4. Unite in Silence and Watchfulness: Like the disciples waiting in the Upper Room after the Ascension, we too must wait in hope and watchfulness. This is not a time for idle speculation or gossip, but a time for recollection, vigilance, and trust in Divine Providence.
Let us remember: it was Christ who promised, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). While the Church may seem battered in the storm, our confidence remains in God’s sovereignty and His ultimate care for His Bride.
May we, as traditionally faithful Catholics, remain steadfast and hopeful, doing our part to beg Heaven for a shepherd after the Heart of Christ.
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Scripture Readings
Epistle: Acts of the Apostles 3:13–15, 17–19
“The God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified His Son Jesus, whom you indeed delivered up and denied before the face of Pilate, when he judged He should be released. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you. But the Author of life you killed, whom God hath raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And now, brethren, I know that you did it through ignorance, as did also your rulers. But those things which God before had showed by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ should suffer, He hath so fulfilled. Be penitent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”
Epistle Reflection
St. Peter addresses the people, acknowledging their role in the crucifixion of Christ but also offering hope through repentance. He emphasizes that through ignorance they acted, and now is the time for conversion. This passage reminds us of God's mercy and the opportunity for redemption, even after grave sins.

Gospel: John 21:1–14
“Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. And He showed Himself after this manner. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas, who is called Didymus, and Nathanael, who was of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples. Simon Peter saith to them: ‘I go a fishing.’ They say to him: ‘We also come with thee.’ And they went forth and entered into the ship, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was come, Jesus stood on the shore: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus therefore said to them: ‘Children, have you any meat?’ They answered Him: ‘No.’ He saith to them: ‘Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find.’ They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it, for the multitude of fishes. That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter: ‘It is the Lord.’ Simon Peter, when he heard that it was the Lord, girt his coat about him, and cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in the ship, dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they came to land, they saw hot coals lying, and a fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith to them: ‘Bring hither of the fishes which you have now caught.’ Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, one hundred and fifty-three. And though there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus saith to them: ‘Come and dine.’ And none of them who were at meat dared ask Him: ‘Who art Thou?’ knowing that it was the Lord. And Jesus cometh and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish in like manner. This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to His disciples, after He was risen from the dead.”
Gospel Reflection
The Gospel recounts the third appearance of the Risen Lord to His disciples. The miraculous catch of fish symbolizes the abundance of grace and the success of apostolic missions when guided by Christ. Peter's eagerness to meet Jesus reflects the love and zeal we should have for the Lord. The shared meal signifies communion and the nurturing presence of Christ among His followers.
Traditional Saint Commemorations – April 23
While the liturgical celebration of saints is typically suppressed during the Octave of Easter, traditionally, April 23 is associated with:
• St. George, Martyr: A Roman soldier who suffered martyrdom for his Christian faith. He is venerated as a model of courage and steadfastness in the face of persecution.
• St. Adalbert of Prague, Bishop and Martyr: Known for his missionary work and martyrdom in the 10th century, he is honored for his evangelization efforts and dedication to the Church.
Themes and Quotes
• Resurrection Joy: The readings emphasize the joy and hope brought by Christ's Resurrection.
• Repentance and Conversion: St. Peter's call to repentance highlights the importance of turning away from sin and embracing God's mercy.
• Recognition of Christ: The disciples' realization that it is the Lord teaches us to be attentive to Christ's presence in our daily lives.

“It is the Lord.” – John 21:7
Concluding Prayer
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, Risen Savior, we rejoice in the glory of Your Resurrection. As You revealed Yourself to Your disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, reveal Yourself to us in our daily lives. Strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and inflame our love. May we, like St. Peter, eagerly seek Your presence and proclaim Your truth. Through the intercession of St. George and St. Adalbert, grant us the courage to witness to our faith. Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Thank you for joining on this Easter Wednesday. May the joy of the Resurrection fill your heart and guide your steps. Until next time, remain in the peace of Christ.