Mass Readings

Readings for the Funeral Liturgy

The Readings for a funeral mass proclaim the Paschal mystery, teach remembrance of the dead, convey the hope of being gathered together again in God's kingdom, and encourage the witness of Christian life. Above all, the readings tell of God's design for a world in which suffering and death will relinquish their hold on all whom God has called his own.

Depending upon pastoral circumstances, there may be either one or two readings before a reading from the gospel. Usually there are three readings during the Funeral Mass. One from the Old Testament, a second from the New Testament epistles, and a third from the Gospels proclaimed by the Deacon or Priest. It is preferable to have a different reader for the first and second readings.

During the Easter Season, the Old Testament reading is replaced with a reading from the New Testament.

The information on this page can be used to help the family choose appropriate and meaningful readings for a funeral liturgy at St. Thomas the Apostle. Some passages can be either a longer or shorter version, depending on family preference. The scriptural reference is given along with a short passage in italicized red font to provide a topical context. Clicking on the links will open a page on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website with the full text of the readings. All readings are from the New American Bible translation, the translation approved by the USCCB for use in the mass.

First Reading (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 Redeemer lives.
Wisdom 3:1-9 (Long Form) or 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.

Click here for full text of first readings from the Old Testament

First Reading (New Testament during Easter Season)

During the Easter season one of the following four readings is used as a first reading instead of a passage from the Old Testament.

Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43 (Long Form) or Acts of the Apostles 10:34-36, 42-43 (Short Form). He is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.
Revelation 14:13. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
Revelation 20:11-21:1. The dead were judged according to their deeds.
Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7. There shall be no more death.

Click here for full text of first readings from the New Testament during Easter Time

Second Reading (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) or 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) or 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.

Click here for full text of second readings from the New Testament

Gospel

Matthew 5:1-12a. Blessed are…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) or 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) or Luke 23:44-46,50,52-53 (Short Form). Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Luke 24:13-35 (Long Form) or 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 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) or 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) or 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.

Click here for full text of readings from the Gospels