choose catholic funeral readings
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If you've recently lost a loved one, it can be hard to think about Catholic funeral readings, especially if you aren't familiar with appropriate scripture verses. In most Catholic funeral liturgies, there are three readings: one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and one reading from the Gospels. Below are some suggestions to help you get started in choosing appropriate scripture passages that are approved for use during Catholic funeral masses.
Instructions
1
Choose a scripture reading from the Old Testament. Appropriate Old Testament Catholic funeral readings often deal with the heart's longing to see God face to face. Some appropriate passages include Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 ("-...A time to be born, a time to die..."-), Sirach 2:1-11 ("-...Compassionate and merciful is the LORD- he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble..."-), and Lamentations 3:17-26 ("-...My portion is the LORD, says my soul- therefore will I hope in him...). See the Resources section below for a link to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website where you can read the complete New American Bible translation of each of these scripture passages.
2
Choose a New Testament reading. The redeeming and merciful power of Christ's love is a common theme for New Testament Catholic funeral readings. Some recommended scriptures are Revelation 21:1-7 ("-...He will wipe away every tear from their eyes- and there will no longer be any death- there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain- the first things have passed away..."-), Romans 8:26-30 ("-...We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose..."-), and 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 ("-...What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him..."-). For additional suggestions, see the Resources section below.
3
The Gospel reading is often chosen by the priest or deacon who will be giving the homily during the liturgy, but if you have a suggestion for a particularly relevant Gospel passage, you might want to talk to the celebrant ahead of time to see if your wishes can be accommodated. Also, because the Gospels include the very words of Christ, the Catholic Church treats them with the utmost reverence. Unlike Old and New Testament Catholic funeral readings, only a priest or deacon reads the Gospel in the context of a funeral liturgy (or any other kind of public liturgy).
4
You might also consider readings to recite at the prayer vigil before that usually takes place a day or more before the funeral liturgy. There is generally more flexibility at the vigil, including the opportunity to speak about what your loved one meant to you. In contrast, the funeral mass or liturgy is meant to be a public liturgical celebration. Because of this it must be conducted according to the approved rubrics. These rubrics and the complete text of the Catholic funeral liturgy can be found in the Order of Christian Funerals (see resources below).
Tips &- Warnings
Be sure to consult with your parish priest to ensure that the Catholic funeral readings you choose are appropriate.
Tags: funeral readings, Catholic funeral, Catholic funeral readings, Catholic funeral, from Testament, funeral liturgySource: www.ehow.com
