Choosing Scripture for the Mass of Christian Burial
Planning a Catholic funeral is deeply personal. Selecting the right Scripture readings brings comfort to mourners and proclaims faith in the resurrection. This guide provides all approved reading options for the Funeral Mass, along with practical guidance for choosing readings that honor your loved one and comfort those who grieve.
Contents
Structure of the Funeral Mass
The Mass of Christian Burial follows a specific liturgical structure. Understanding this helps families choose appropriate readings for each part of the service.
Order of Readings in the Funeral Mass
Usually from the Old Testament. Family selects one option. Read by a family member or friend.
Sung or recited between readings. Family selects one option. Usually led by a cantor or lector.
From the New Testament epistles. Family selects one option. Read by a family member or friend.
Sung before the Gospel. During Lent, "Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ" replaces Alleluia.
From one of the four Gospels. Family selects one option. Proclaimed by a deacon or priest.
Number of Readings
A full Funeral Mass includes three readings (Old Testament, New Testament, Gospel) plus a Responsorial Psalm. For a simpler service or Memorial Mass outside Mass, families may choose fewer readings. Consult with your priest about options.
Old Testament Readings
First Reading Options
Wisdom 3:1-6, 9 or 3:1-9
"The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them... Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love."
Hope in eternal lifeWisdom 4:7-15
"The just man, though he die early, shall be at rest... For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years."
Early death, God's wisdomLamentations 3:17-26
"My soul is deprived of peace... But this I call to mind, and therefore I hope: The favors of the LORD are not exhausted... His mercies are not spent; they are renewed each morning."
Hope in griefDaniel 12:1-3
"At that time there shall arise Michael... It shall be a time of distress... But many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever."
Resurrection hope2 Maccabees 12:43-46
"Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from sin."
Prayer for the deadNew Testament Readings
Second Reading Options
Romans 5:5-11
"Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit... While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
God's love, hopeRomans 6:3-9
"Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too might live in newness of life."
Baptism, resurrectionRomans 8:14-23
"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God... We groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies."
Children of God, gloryRomans 8:31b-35, 37-39
"If God is for us, who can be against us?... For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities... will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus."
Nothing separates from God's love1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 24a-28
"Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep... For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life."
Resurrection of the dead1 Corinthians 15:51-57
"We shall not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed... Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
Victory over death2 Corinthians 4:14—5:1
"We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus... For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven."
Eternal dwelling in heavenPhilippians 3:20-21
"Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body."
Heavenly citizenship1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
"We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep... For the Lord himself will descend from heaven... and the dead in Christ will rise first."
Comfort for those who grieve2 Timothy 2:8-13
"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David... If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him."
Faithfulness, perseverance1 John 3:1-2
"See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God... We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is."
Children of GodRevelation 14:13
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on... that they may rest from their labors, for their works accompany them."
Rest from laborsGospel Readings
Gospel Options
Matthew 5:1-12a (The Beatitudes)
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven... Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted... Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."
Beatitudes, blessingsMatthew 11:25-30
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest... For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
Rest for the wearyMatthew 25:31-46
"Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world... Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."
Final judgment, serviceMark 15:33-39; 16:1-6
"Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last... Then he said to them, 'Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here.'"
Death and resurrectionLuke 7:11-17
"When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, 'Do not weep.'... He gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God."
Raising of widow's sonLuke 12:35-40
"Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants waiting for their master... Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival."
Vigilance, readinessLuke 23:33, 39-43
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Good thief, ParadiseLuke 24:13-35
"Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"... Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.
Road to EmmausJohn 5:24-29
"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life."
Eternal lifeJohn 6:37-40
"Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me... For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life."
God's will, eternal lifeJohn 6:51-58
"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever... Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life."
Bread of lifeJohn 11:17-27
"Your brother will rise." Martha said, "I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life."
Lazarus, I am the ResurrectionJohn 12:23-28
"Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit."
Grain of wheat, gloryJohn 14:1-6
"Do not let your hearts be troubled... In my Father's house there are many dwelling places... I am the way and the truth and the life."
Many dwelling placesJohn 15:9-16
"As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love... This is my commandment: love one another as I love you."
Abide in loveJohn 17:24-26
"Father, I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory... I have made known to them your name, and I will make it known."
Jesus' high priestly prayerResponsorial Psalms
Psalm Options
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Response: "Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are with me." OR "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want."
The Good ShepherdPsalm 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc, 17-18
Response: "To you, O Lord, I lift my soul."
Trust in GodPsalm 27:1, 4, 7, 8a
Response: "The Lord is my light and my salvation."
The Lord is my lightPsalm 42:2, 3, 5; 43:3, 4
Response: "Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God."
Thirst for GodPsalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Response: "My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God."
Thirsting for GodPsalm 103:8, 10, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18
Response: "The Lord is kind and merciful."
God's mercyPsalm 116:10-11, 15-16ac, 17-18
Response: "Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones."
Precious deathPsalm 122:1-2, 3-4a, 4b-5, 6-7, 8-9
Response: "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord."
Jerusalem, heavenPsalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6ab, 6c-7, 8
Response: "With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption."
Mercy and redemptionPsalm 143:1-2, 5-6, 7ab, 8, 10
Response: "Hear my prayer, O Lord."
Prayer for mercyHow to Choose Readings
Selecting funeral readings is both personal and prayerful. Here's guidance for making meaningful choices.
Consider These Factors
- The deceased's faith: Choose readings that reflect their spiritual journey and devotion
- Circumstances of death: Some readings comfort specific situations (sudden death, long illness, old age)
- Family's grief: Select readings that bring comfort to those mourning
- Length of service: More readings mean longer Mass; consider the setting and attendees
- Personal connection: Did the deceased have a favorite Scripture or saint?
Popular Combinations
Most Commonly Chosen Readings
- Old Testament: Wisdom 3:1-6, 9 or Lamentations 3:17-26
- Psalm: Psalm 23 (The Lord is My Shepherd)
- New Testament: Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39 or 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
- Gospel: John 14:1-6 or Matthew 11:25-30
Practical Considerations
Who Reads What
- First Reading: Family member or friend (Catholic or non-Catholic)
- Psalm: Lector or cantor (usually not family)
- Second Reading: Family member or friend (Catholic or non-Catholic)
- Gospel: Deacon or priest only
- Homily: Priest only
- Prayers of the Faithful: Family members or friends
Preparing the Lectors
Tips for Family Readers
- Practice reading aloud multiple times before the funeral
- Read slowly and clearly; grief can affect your voice
- Have a backup person ready in case you're too emotional
- Meet with the priest beforehand if possible
- Arrive early on the day to familiarize yourself with the space
Music and Readings
Coordinate readings with music selections. Some hymns echo Scripture themes (e.g., "The Lord is My Shepherd" with Psalm 23). Your music director can help ensure coherence.
Printed Materials
Consider including the readings in a funeral bulletin so attendees can follow along. This is especially helpful for longer readings or when many attendees are not regular churchgoers.
Work With Your Priest
Every parish has slight variations in practice. Some priests have preferred readings; others give complete freedom. Meet with the priest early in planning to understand options and requirements. They're there to help you honor your loved one well.
Honoring Your Loved One
Scripture Brings Comfort
Choosing funeral readings is one of the most meaningful ways to honor your loved one and proclaim faith in the resurrection. The words of Scripture have comforted grieving Christians for two thousand years—they will comfort you too.
Take your time. Pray over the options. Talk with family members. And trust that whatever you choose, God will use those words to bring peace to those who mourn and glory to the one who has gone home to Him.
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on... that they may rest from their labors." (Revelation 14:13)