Funeral Readings

The following are lists of Scriptures appropriate for use at Catholic Funeral Liturgies. One reading is chosen from each the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Gospels.

*Other Scripture passages can be presented to the presider for approval.

**Non-Scripture readings cannot be read in place of these readings, but could be used in the worship aides or through some other means.

Old Testament (First Reading)
Job 19: 1, 23-27  I know that my Redeemer lives.
Wisdom 3:1-9  The souls of the just are in the hand of God.
Wisdom 3:1-6,9   The souls of the just are in the hand of God. (shorter form)
Wisdom 4:7-14   The just man, though he die early, shall be at rest.
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   But the wise shall shine brightly...
2 Maccabees 12:43-46  He made atonement for the dead...
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11a  There is an appointed time for everything...

New Testament (Second Reading)
Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43  Everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins.
Acts of the Apostles 10:34-36, 42-43  Everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins. (shorter form)
Romans 5:5-11  We were reconciled to God through the death of his Son.
Romans 5:17-21  Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.
Romans 6:3-9  If we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.
Romans 6:3-4, 8-9  If we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. (shorter form)
Romans 8:14-23  Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
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  So too in Christ shall all be brought to life.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23  So too in Christ shall all be brought to life. (shorter form)
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.
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18  From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me.
1 John 3:1-2  Beloved, we are God's children now.
1 John 3:14-16  We know that we have passed from death to life.
Revelation 14:13  Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
Revelation 20:11-12:1  The dead were judged according to their deeds.
Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7  There shall be no more death.
 

Gospel
Matthew 5:1-12a  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. (Beatitudes)
Matthew 11:25-30  Come to me and I will give you rest.
Matthew 25:1-13  …stay awake for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Matthew 25:31-46  Come, you who my Father has blessed.
Mark 15:33-39, 16:1-6  Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
Mark 15:33-39  Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. (shorted form)
Luke 7:11-17  Young man, I tell to you, arise!
Luke 12:35-40  Be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect…
Luke 23:33, 39-43  Today you will be with me in Paradise.
Luke 23:44-46, 24:1-6a  Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53  Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (shorter form)
Luke 24:13-35  Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer... ?
Luke 24:13-16, 28-35  Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer...? (shorter form)
John 5:24-29  Whoever hears my word and believes has passed from death to life.
John 6:37-40  All who believe in the Son will have eternal life.
John 6:51-58  Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
John 11:17-27  I am the resurrection and the life.
John 11:21-27  I am the resurrection and the life.
John 11:32-45  Lazarus, come out.
John 12:23-28  If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies...
John 12:23-26 If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies... (shorter form)
John 14:1-6  In my Father’s house there are many dwellings.
John 17:24-26  I wish that where I am they also may be with me.
John 19:17-30, 25-39  And bowing his head he handed over his spirit.