Choosing the Scripture Readings

Lectors
It is proper for a lay person to proclaim the First and Second readings from Scripture and to announce the intentions of the Prayer of the Faithful. The nature of the Word of God requires that such persons be persons of faith and effective public speakers. It is appropriate that readers be people other than immediate family members. Lectors should be given copies of the readings in advance so they can practice their readings.

Scripture Readings
It is appropriate to assist the celebrant in choosing texts from Sacred Scripture for the funeral Mass. Normally three Scripture Readings are chosen: one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament epistles, and one from the Gospels.

Old Testament
Job 19:1, 23-27
Wisdom 3:1-9*
Wisdom 4:7-15
Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9
Lamentations 3:17-26
Daniel 12:1-3
2 Maccabees 12:43-46

New Testament
Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43*
Romans 5:5-11
Romans 5:17-21
Romans 6:3-9*
Romans 8:14-23
Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39
Romans 14:7-9, 10b-12
1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 24b-28*
1 Corinthians 15:51-57
2 Corinthians 4:14-5:1
2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10
Philippians 3:20-21
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
2 Timothy 2:8-13
1 John 3:1-2
1 John 3:14-16
Revelation 14:13
Revelation 20:11-21:1
Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7

Gospels
Matthew 5:1-12a
Matthew 11:25-30
Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 25:31-46
Mark 15:33-39
Luke 7:11-17
Luke 12:35-40
Luke 22:33, 39-43
Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53; 24:1-6a*
Luke 24:13-35*
John 5:24-29
John 6:37 -40
John 6:51-58
John 11:17-27*
John 11:32-45
John 12:23-28*
John 14:1-6
John 17:24-26
John 19:17-18, 25-30

*optional short form of this reading is available