Readings for the Liturgy of the Word for the Rite of Christian Burial are divided into three parts: a selection from the Old Testament; a selection from the New Testament; and a Gospel.

Suggested Scripture readings follow. You may click on the reading to review it and, if you wish, to print it. Or you may click here to print out the list of readings. Make one selection each from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and Gospel. Enter each selection on your Funeral Planning Sheet where indicated.

Other Scripture passages may be presented to the pastor for approval.
However, non-Scripture readings may not be read in place of these readings.

First Reading (Old Testament)
Second Reading (New Testament)
Gospel

First Reading (Old Testament)

1-1: 2 Maccabees 12:43-46 ~ He had the resurrection of the dead in view.
1-2: Job 19:1, 23-27a ~ I know that my Vindicator lives.
1-3 (Long): Wisdom 3:1-9  ~ The souls of the just are in the hand of God.
1-3 (Short): Wisdom 3:1-6,9 ~ The souls of the just are in the hand of God.
1-4: Wisdom 4:7-15 ~ The just man shall be at rest.
1-5: Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9 ~ The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces.
1-6: Lamentations 3:17-26 ~ It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.
1-7: Daniel 12:1-3 ~ Those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.

Second Reading (New Testament)

2-1 (Long): Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43 ~ He is the one appointed by God as judge.
2-1 (Short): Acts of the Apostles 10:34-36,42-43 ~ He is the one appointed by God as judge.
2-2 (Long): 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 ~ So too in Christ all shall be brought to life.
2-2 (Short): 1 Corinthians 15:20-23  ~ So too in Christ all shall be brought to life.
2-3: 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 ~ Death is swallowed up in victory.
2-4: 2 Corinthians 4:14-5:1 ~ What is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
2-5: 2 Corinthians 5:1,6-10 ~ We have a building from God, eternal in heaven.
2-6: 1 John 3:1-2 ~ We shall see him as he is.
2-7: 1 John 3:14-16 ~ We know that we have passed from death to life.
2-8: Philippians 3:20-21 ~ He will change our lowly bodies to conform to his glory.
2-9: Revelation 14:13 ~ Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
2-10: Revelation 20:11-21:1 ~ The dead were judged according to their deeds.
2-11: Revelation 21:1-5a,6b-7 ~ There shall be no more death.
2-12:  Romans 5:5-11 ~ We will be saved through him from the wrath.
2-13:  Romans 5:17-21 ~ Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.
2-14 (Long):  Romans 6:3-9 ~ We too might live in newness of life.
2-14 (Short): Romans 6:3-4,8-9 ~ We too might live in newness of life.
2-15:  Romans 8:14-23 ~ We also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption.
2-16:  Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39 ~ What will separate us from the love of Christ?
2-17:  Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12 ~ Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
2-18: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ~ Thus we shall always be with the Lord.
2-19: 2 Timothy 2:8-13 ~ If we have died with him, we shall also live with him.

Gospel

G-1:  Matthew 5:1-12a ~ Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
G-2:  Matthew 11:25-30 ~ Come to me and I will give you rest.
G-3:  Matthew 25:1-13 ~ Behold the bridegroom! Come out to him!
G-4:  Matthew 25:31-46 ~ Come, you who are blessed by my Father.
G-5 (Long):  Mark 15:33-39;16:1-6 ~ Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
G-5 (Short): Mark 15:33-39 ~ Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
G-6:  Luke 7:11-17 ~ Young man, I tell you, arise!
G-7:  Luke 12:35-40 ~ You also must be prepared.
G-8:  Luke 23:33, 39-43 ~ Today, you will be with me in Paradise.
G-9 (Long):  Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53; 24:1-6a ~ Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
G-9 (Short): Luke 23:44-46,50,52-53 ~ Father, into Your hands, I commend my spirit.
G-10 (Long):  Luke 24:13-35 ~ He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
G-10 (Short): Luke 24:13-16,28-35 ~ He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
G-11: John 5:24-29 ~ Whoever hears and believes has passed from death to life.
G-12: John 6:37-40 ~ I shall raise him on the last day.
G-13: John 6:51-58 ~ Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
G-14 (Long): John 11:17-27 ~ I am the resurrection and the life.
G-14 (Short): John 11:21-27 ~ I am the resurrection and the life.
G-15: John 11:32-45 ~ Lazarus, come out!
G-16 (Long): John 12:23-28 ~ If it dies, it produces much fruit.
G-16 (Short): John 12:23-26 ~ If it dies, it produces much fruit.
G-17: John 14:1-6 ~ In my Father's house, there are many dwellings.
G-18: John 17:24-26 ~ Where I am, they also may be with me.
G-19: John 19:17-18,25-39 ~ Bowing his head, he handed over his Spirit.