In every celebration for the dead, the Church attaches great importance to the reading of
the word of God. The readings proclaim to the assembly the Paschal Mystery, teach
remembrance of the dead, convey the hope of being gathered together again in God's
Kingdom, and encourage the witness of Christian life. Above all, the readings tell of God's
designs for a world in which suffering and death will relinquish their hold on all whom God
has called his own. A careful selection and use of readings from Scripture for the funeral
rites will provide the family and the community with an opportunity to hear God speak to
them in their needs, sorrows, fears, and hopes.
In the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word at the funeral liturgy, the biblical readings may
not be replaced by nonbiblical readings. But during prayer services with the family
nonbiblical readings may be used in addition to readings from Scripture.
The selection of passages from the Bible is an important part of planning a funeral ceremony, as we want to turn to God's word for wisdom and comfort in this time of loss. The Word of God is at the heart of our Christian celebration of faith in this funeral rite in anticipation of the resurrection of the body.
To make this easier for the family, the Catholic Church has pre-selected a number of Biblical passages which are appropriate for the occasion of a funeral. Please look over these passages as part of your funeral preparations, and find those words which speak to your heart.
1. The first reading is taken from the Old Testament. Each reading also has an accompanying psalm, and together they form a "package deal".
2. The second reading is taken from the New Testament.
3. The gospel reading is also taken from the New Testament, and it is chosen by the priest.
4. This may be discussed by the family with the priest who will preside the funeral liturgy.
5. The family is invited to designate two persons to read the first two readings, one reading each. If the psalm is to be read, not sung, then the family may pick a third person to read it. The psalm may be sung by a cantor, who may lead the congregation to sing a response.
NOTE:
6. The priest or an assisting deacon will proclaim the gospel.
7. Once you have selected your readings, please let the priest know the reading numbers, as well as the names of those who will be doing the readings.
1. 2 Maccabees 12:43-46 - He acted in an excellent and noble way as he had the resurrection of the dead.
2. Job 19:1, 23-27a - I know that my Vindicator lives.
3. Wisdom 3:1-9 (short form, 3:1-6, 9) - As sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
4. Wisdom 4:7-15 - An unsullied life, the attainment of old age.
5. Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9 - He will destroy death forever.
6. Lamentations 3:17-26 - It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.
7. Daniel 12:1-3 - Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.
Only these readings may be selected as the First Reading during Easter Time.
1. Acts 10:34-43 - He is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.
2. Revelation 14:13 - Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
3. Revelation 20:11—21:1 - The dead were judged according to their deeds.
4. Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7 - There shall be no more death.
1. Psalm 23:1-3, 4, 5, 6 R/. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
2. Psalm 25:6 and 7b, 17-18, 20-21 R/. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.
3. Psalm 27:1, 4, 7 and 8b and 9a, 13-14 R/. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
4. Psalm 42:2, 3, 5cdef; 43:3, 4, 5 R/. My soul is thirsting for the living God: ...
5. Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 R/. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
6. Psalm 103:8 and 10, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18 R/. The Lord is kind and merciful.
7. Psalm 116:5, 6, 10-11, 15-16ac R/. I will walk in the presence of the Lord ...
8. Psalm 122:1-2, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R/. I rejoiced when I heard them say: ...
9. Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6ab, 6c-7, 8 R/. Out of the depths, I cry to you, Lord.
10. Psalm 143:1-2, 5-6, 7ab and 8ab, 10 R/. O Lord, hear my prayer.
1. Romans 5:5-11 - Since we are now justified by his Blood, we will be saved through him from the wrath.
2. Romans 5:17-21 - Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.
3. Romans 6:3-9 - We too might live in newness of life.
4. Romans 8:14-23 - We also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
5. Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39 - What will separate us from the love of Christ?
6. Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12 - Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
7. 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 - So too in Christ shall all be brought to life.
8. 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 - Death is swallowed up in victory.
9. 2 Corinthians 4:14—5:1 - What is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
10. 2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10 - We have a building from God, eternal in heaven.
11. Philippians 3:20-21 - He will change our lowly bodies to conform to his glory.
12. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - Thus we shall always be with the Lord.
13. 2 Timothy 2:8-13 - If we have died with him we shall also live with him.
14. 1 John 3:1-2 - We shall see him as he is.
15. 1 John 3:14-16 - We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers.
1. Matthew 5:1-12a - Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
2. Matthew 11:25-30 - Come to me and I will give you rest.
3. Matthew 25:1-13 - Behold the bridegroom! Come out to him!
4. Matthew 25:31-46 - Come, you who are blessed by my Father.
5. Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-6 - Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
6. Luke 7:11-17 - Young man, I tell you, arise!
7. Luke 12:35-40 - You also must be prepared.
8. Luke 23:33, 39-43 - Today you will be with me in Paradise.
9. Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53; 24:1-6a - Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
10. Luke 24:13-35 - Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?
11. John 5:24-29 - Whoever hears my word and believes has passed from death to life.
12. John 6:37-40 - Everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life and I shall raise him on the last day.
13. John 6:51-58 - Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and I will raise them up on the last day.
14. John 11:17-27 (short form, 11:21-27) - I am the resurrection and the life.
15. John 11:32-45 - Lazarus, come out!
16. John 12:23-28 (short form, 12:23-26) - If it dies, it produces much fruit.
17. John 14:1-6 - In my Father's house there are many dwellings.
18. John 17:24-26 - I wish that where I am they also may be with me.
19. John 19:17-18, 25-39 - And bowing his head he handed over his Spirit.