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Scripture Readings for Funerals
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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.- From the Order of Christian Funerals, General Introduction, nos. 22-23
First Reading
Readings from the Old Testament | Link to full readings
Lectionary for Mass, no. 1011- 2 Maccabees 12:43-46 He acted in an excellent and noble way as he had the resurrection of the dead in view.
- Job 19:1, 23-27a I know that my Vindicator lives.
- Wisdom 3:1-9 (long) / Wisdom 3:1-6, 9 (short) As sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
- Wisdom 4:7-15 An unsullied life, the attainment of old age.
- Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9 He will destroy death forever.
- Lamentations 3:17-26 It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.
- Daniel 12:1-3 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.
Readings from the New Testament during Easter Time | Link to full readings
Lectionary for Mass, no. 1012
NB: Only these readings may be selected as the First Reading during Easter Time (Easter Octave through Pentecost)- Acts 10:34-43 (long) / Acts 10:34-36, 42-43 (short) He is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.
- Revelation 14:13 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
- Revelation 20:11-21:1 The dead were judged according to their deeds.
- Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7 There shall be no more death.
Readings from the New Testament | Link to full readings
Second Reading
Lectionary for Mass, no. 1014- Romans 5:5-11 Since we are now justified by his Blood, we will be saved through him from the wrath.
- Romans 5:17-21 Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.
- Romans 6:3-9 (long) / Romans 6:3-4, 8-9 (short) We too might live in newness of life.
- Romans 8:14-23 We also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
- Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39 What will separate us from the love of Christ?
- Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12 Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (long) / 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (short) So too in Christ shall all be brought to life.
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 Death is swallowed up in victory.
- 2 Corinthians 4:14-5:1 What is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
- 2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10 We have a building from God, eternal in heaven.
- Philippians 3:20-21 He will change our lowly bodies to conform to his glory.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Thus we shall always be with the Lord.
- 2 Timothy 2:8-13 If we have died with him we shall also live with him.
- 1 John 3:1-2 We shall see him as he is.
- 1 John 3:14-16 We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers.