Readings from Sacred Scripture for Funeral Masses
All Catholic funeral Masses incorporate readings from Sacred Scripture, including a reading from the Old Testament, a reading from the New Testament, and a passage from one of the Gospels.
Readings from the Old Testament
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 Form)
As sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
Wisdom 3:1-6, 9 (Short Form)
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
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 Form)
We too might live in newness of life.
Romans 6:3-4, 8-9 (Short Form)
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 Form)
So too in Christ shall all be brought to life.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (Short Form)
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.
Gospel
Matthew 5:1-12a
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
Matthew 11:25-30
Come to me and I will give you rest.
Matthew 25:1-13
Behold the bridegroom! Come out to him!
Matthew 25:31-46
Come, you who are blessed by my Father.
Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-6 (Long Form)
Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
Mark 15:33-39 (Short Form)
Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
Luke 7:11-17
Young man, I tell you, arise!
Luke 12:35-40
You also must be prepared.
Luke 23:33, 39-43
Today you will be with me in Paradise.
Luke 23:44-46, 50. 52-53; 24:1-6a (Long Form)
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Luke 23:44-46, 50. 52-53 (Short Form)
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Luke 24:13-35 (Long Form)
Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?
Luke 24:13-16, 28-35 (Short Form)
Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?
John 5:24-29
Whoever hears my word and believes has passed from death to life.
John 6:37-40
Everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life and I shall raise him up on the last day.
John 6:51-59
Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and I will raise them up on the last day.
John 11:17-27 (Long Form)
I am the resurrection and the life.
John 11:21-27 (Short Form)
I am the resurrection and the life.
John 11:32-45
Lazarus, come out!
John 12:23-28 (Long Form)
If it dies, it produces much fruit.
John 12:23-26 (Short Form)
If it dies, it produces much fruit.
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 19:17-18, 25-39
And bowing his head he handed over his Spirit.