Readings for Christian Funerals

A careful selection and use of readings from Scripture for a funeral Mass gives the family and the

community with an opportunity to hear God speak to them in their needs, sorrows, fears and hopes.

Here is a suggested selection of readings from both the Old and New Testaments that are

proposed by the Church for use at Catholic funerals. Other scriptural passages can be used, but

should be discussed with the celebrant.

Running Order of Readings at a Funeral Mass

the Easter Season). The Responsorial Psalm is normally sung, but is recited otherwise. The second reading is from

the New Testament. The Gospel is read by the priest. These resources are also used when choosing scripture readings

for a funeral service without Mass.

Summaries of Various Funeral Readings

Old Testament

Job 19:1.23-27 I know that my Avenger (Redeemer) lives….

Deuteronomy 34:1-9

Moses died, his eyes undimmed, his vigour unimpaired.

Wisdom 3:1-6.9 The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, no

torment shall ever touch them …they are in peace.

Lord will wipe away the tears from every cheek...

Isaiah 49:13-16. See I have carved you on the palm of my hands.

Lamentations 3:17-26

My soul is shut out from peace... It is good to wait in silence for the Lord to save.

New Testament

Apocalypse 14:13 Happy are those who die in the Lord their good deeds go with them.

Apocalypse 21:1-5 He will wipe away all tears from their eyes; there will be

no more death, and no more mourning or sadness.

1 John 3:1-2 Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us. We shall see him as he really is.

Romans 6:3-9 Death has no power over Him any more

Philippians 3:20-21 For us, our homeland is in heaven

Thessalonians 4:13-18

We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that it

will be the same for those who have died in Jesus: God will bring them with him.

Timothy 4:6-8 I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the

race to the finish; I have kept the faith.

Corinthians 15:20-23 The Risen Christ is the first fruits of all who have fallen asleep.

Corinthians 5:1,6-10 We have an everlasting home in the heavens.

1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be God…who in his great mercy has given us a

new birth…by raising Jesus Christ from the dead….

Mark 15:33-39;16:1-6

Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.

Luke 7:11-17 Young man, I tell you to get up.

Luke 12:35-40 Stand ready.

Luke 23:33.39-43 Today you will be with me in paradise.

Luke 23:44-46:50.52-53.24:1-6 Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.

Luke 24:13-35 Was it not ordained that the Christ should suffer and

enter into his glory?

John 5:24-29 Whoever listens to my words and believes has passed

from death to life.