How the readings fit into the funeral liturgy
A Funeral Mass or Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass ordinarily places the First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, optional Second Reading, Gospel Acclamation, and Gospel within the Liturgy of the Word. A homily and General Intercessions follow. Nonbiblical poetry does not replace the readings in this part of the liturgy.
The short summaries below are orientation notes, not Scripture text. Additional references from a broader pastoral list are explicitly marked for parish confirmation. Read the actual choices through your parish or an authorized Bible source and ask which form should be used.
First Readings outside Easter Time
These Old Testament choices speak of resurrection, trust, mercy, and hope amid grief.
2 Maccabees 12:43-46Prayer for the dead and hope in resurrectionJob 19:1, 23-27aI know that my Redeemer livesWisdom 3:1-9The souls of the just are in the hand of GodWisdom 3:1-6, 9 (short form)The souls of the just are in the hand of GodWisdom 4:7-15A blameless life is a ripe old ageIsaiah 25:6a, 7-9The Lord will destroy death foreverLamentations 3:17-26The favors of the Lord are not exhaustedDaniel 12:1-3Those who sleep in the dust shall awakeEcclesiastes 3:1-8Parish confirmation required — A time to be born, a time to dieEcclesiastes 3:1-15Parish confirmation required — A time to be born, a time to dieWisdom 4:7-14Parish confirmation required — The Righteous One, though he die early, shall be at restSirach 2:1-11Parish confirmation required — in fire gold is tested. Compassionate is the LordIsaiah 25:6, 7-9Parish confirmation required — he will destroy death foreverIsaiah 26:7-19Parish confirmation required — your dead shall live, their corpses shall riseIsaiah 35:1-10Parish confirmation required — Here is your God, he comes with vindicationIsaiah 40:1-11Parish confirmation required — Here is your God, Here comes with powerEzekiel 37:12-14Parish confirmation required — O my people, I will open your graves and have you riseMicah 7:7-9Parish confirmation required — though I sit in darkness, the Lord is my light
First Readings during Easter Time
During Easter Time, the designated first reading comes from these New Testament choices. Confirm the liturgical season and form with the parish.
Acts 10:34-43Jesus is appointed judge of the living and the deadActs 10:34-36, 42-43 (short form)Everyone who believes receives forgivenessRevelation 14:13Blessed are those who die in the LordRevelation 20:11-21:1The dead were judged; a new heaven and earthRevelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7There shall be no more death or mourningRevelation 21:1-5, 6-7Parish confirmation required — I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem
Responsorial Psalm references
The psalm is sung or proclaimed according to parish practice. The builder prints the reference and title only, not a protected refrain or verses.
Psalm 23:1-3, 4, 5, 6The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall wantPsalm 25:6 and 7b, 17-18, 20-21To you, O Lord, I lift my soulPsalm 27:1, 4, 7 and 8b and 9a, 13-14The Lord is my light and my salvationPsalm 42:2, 3, 5cdef; 43:3, 4, 5My soul is thirsting for the living GodPsalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my GodPsalm 103:8 and 10, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18The Lord is kind and mercifulPsalm 116:5, 6, 10-11, 15-16acI will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the livingPsalm 122:1-2, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9Let us go rejoicing to the house of the LordPsalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6ab, 6c-7, 8Out of the depths, I cry to you, LordPsalm 143:1-2, 5-6, 7ab and 8ab, 10O Lord, hear my prayer
New Testament / Second Readings
A Second Reading is optional. These references emphasize baptism, life in Christ, resurrection, faithful love, and Christian hope.
Romans 5:5-11We have been reconciled through ChristRomans 5:17-21Grace and life through Jesus ChristRomans 6:3-9Baptized into Christ, we shall live with himRomans 6:3-4, 8-9 (short form)We shall also live with ChristRomans 8:14-23We wait for the redemption of our bodiesRomans 8:31b-35, 37-39Nothing can separate us from the love of ChristRomans 14:7-9, 10c-12Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s1 Corinthians 15:20-28In Christ shall all be brought to life1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (short form)Christ has been raised from the dead1 Corinthians 15:51-57Death is swallowed up in victory2 Corinthians 4:14-5:1An eternal dwelling from God2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10We walk by faith, not by sightPhilippians 3:20-21Our citizenship is in heaven1 Thessalonians 4:13-18We shall always be with the Lord2 Timothy 2:8-13If we have died with him, we shall live with him1 John 3:1-2We shall see God as he is1 John 3:14-16We have passed from death to life because we loveRomans 8:1-11Parish confirmation required — There is no condemnation for those who are in ChristRomans 8:31-35, 37-39Parish confirmation required — If God is for us, who can be against us?Romans 14:7-9, 10-12Parish confirmation required — This is why Christ died and came to life1 Corinthians 2:6-10Parish confirmation required — Eye has not seen, and ear has not heard1 Corinthians 15:12-20Parish confirmation required — If there is no resurrection of the deadPhilippians 3:7-14Parish confirmation required — I run toward the prize to which God calls me2 Timothy 4:1-2, 6-8Parish confirmation required — I have competed well, I have finished the race
Gospel Acclamation verse references
The parish or cantor confirms the approved response, seasonal form, verse text, and musical setting. The builder records the Lectionary verse reference separately from the music setting.
See Matthew 11:25The Father reveals the mysteries of the Kingdom to the childlikeMatthew 25:34The blessed are called to inherit the prepared KingdomJohn 3:16God’s love gives eternal life through the SonJohn 6:39Christ will raise up those entrusted to him on the last dayJohn 6:40Those who see and believe in the Son are promised eternal lifeJohn 6:51Christ is the living bread that gives life foreverJohn 11:25a, 26Christ is the resurrection and the lifeSee Philippians 3:20Our true home is in heaven as we await Christ2 Timothy 2:11-12aThose who die and persevere with Christ will live and reign with himRevelation 1:5a, 6bGlory belongs to Christ, the firstborn from the deadRevelation 14:13Blessed are those who die in the Lord
Gospel references
The Gospel is proclaimed by a deacon or priest. The parish confirms the reference and whether a long or short form is used.
Matthew 5:1-12aRejoice and be glad; your reward is great in heavenMatthew 11:25-30Come to me and I will give you restMatthew 25:1-13Behold, the bridegroom; come out to meet himMatthew 25:31-46Whatever you did for the least, you did for meMark 15:33-39; 16:1-6Jesus’ death and the announcement of resurrectionMark 15:33-39 (short form)Truly this man was the Son of GodLuke 7:11-17Young man, I tell you, ariseLuke 12:35-40Be prepared for the Son of ManLuke 23:33, 39-43Today you will be with me in paradiseLuke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53; 24:1-6aFather, into your hands I commend my spiritLuke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53 (short form)Father, into your hands I commend my spiritLuke 24:13-35The road to EmmausLuke 24:13-16, 28-35 (short form)He was made known in the breaking of breadJohn 5:24-29Whoever hears and believes has eternal lifeJohn 6:37-40I shall raise them on the last dayJohn 6:51-58Whoever eats this bread will live foreverJohn 11:17-27I am the resurrection and the lifeJohn 11:21-27 (short form)Everyone who believes in me will never dieJohn 11:32-45Lazarus, come outJohn 12:23-28If a grain of wheat dies, it produces much fruitJohn 12:23-26 (short form)Where I am, there also will my servant beJohn 14:1-6In my Father’s house there are many dwelling placesJohn 17:24-26I wish that where I am they also may be with meJohn 19:17-18, 25-30Jesus’ mother and the beloved disciple at the crossMatthew 5:1-12Parish confirmation required — The Eight BeatitudesMark 15:33-16:6Parish confirmation required — Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his lastLuke 23:44-49Parish confirmation required — Father, I put my life in your hands.John 19:17-18, 25-39Parish confirmation required — Jesus bowed his head and gave up his spirits.
Readings for a baptized child (nos. 1017–1022)
This dedicated set includes First Readings, Psalms, New Testament readings, Gospel Acclamations, and Gospels. The parish confirms the proper forms and seasonal choice.
First Readings
Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9The Lord will destroy death foreverLamentations 3:22-26It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord Easter First Readings
Revelation 7:9-10, 15-17God will wipe away every tear from their eyesRevelation 21:1a, 3-5aGod will dwell with his people; there shall be no more death Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 23:1-3, 4, 5, 6The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall wantPsalm 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7b, 20-21To you, O Lord, I lift up my soulPsalm 42:2, 3, 5cdef; 43:3, 4, 5My soul is thirsting for the living GodPsalm 148:1-2, 11-13a, 13c-14Let all praise the name of the Lord Second Readings
Romans 6:3-4, 8-9 (short form)We shall also live with ChristRomans 14:7-9Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (short form)Christ has been raised from the deadEphesians 1:3-5God chose us in Christ and destined us for adoption1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18We shall be with the Lord forever Gospel Acclamations
See Matthew 11:25The Father reveals the mysteries of the Kingdom to the childlikeJohn 6:39Christ will raise up those entrusted to him on the last day2 Corinthians 1:3b-4aGod is the Father of compassion who encourages the afflicted Gospels
Matthew 11:25-30Come to me and I will give you restMark 10:13-16Let the children come to meJohn 6:37-40I shall raise them on the last dayJohn 6:37-39 (short form)I should not lose anything of what the Father gave meJohn 6:51-58Whoever eats this bread will live foreverJohn 11:32-38, 40If you believe, you will see the glory of GodJohn 19:25-30Behold, your mother
Readings for a child who died before Baptism (nos. 1023–1026)
This dedicated set has First Readings, a Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamations, and Gospels—but no Second Reading. Eligibility and the adapted celebration require parish confirmation.
First Readings
Isaiah 25:6a, 7-8bThe Lord will destroy death forever and wipe away every tearLamentations 3:22-26It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7b, 17 and 20To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul Gospel Acclamations
2 Corinthians 1:3b-4aGod is the Father of compassion who encourages the afflictedRevelation 1:5a, 6bGlory belongs to Christ, the firstborn from the dead Gospels
Matthew 11:25-30Come to me and I will give you restMark 15:33-46Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his lastJohn 19:25-30Behold, your mother
