The outlines for this rite is as follows:
Invitation
Scripture Verse
Litany
The Lord’s Prayer
Concluding Prayer
Invitation to the Procession
Procession to the Church or to the Place of Committal
The invitation (OCF 121) and Scripture verse (122) are a linked unit. The sample Scriptures are actually two verses each, Colossians 3:3-4 and Romans 6:8-9, each segments of longer readings often chosen for the funeral. The minister could be aware of the Lectionary choices for the funeral and plan to use excerpts if needed, or avoid certain passages, if that is a better course.
The Litany (123) looks like intercessory prayer, but they are actually a series of acclamations remembering God’s past actions and calling on divine grace in this time of need. One example:
Son of God, you raise up the just and clothe them with the glory of your kingdom: Lord have mercy.
After the Lord’s Prayer (124), a concluding prayer (125) is offered. The invitation to the procession, as given in OCF 126, is more ritual than pragmatic:
The Lord guards our coming in and our going out.
May God be with us today
as we make this last journey with our brother/sister.
Music makes an appearance in OCF 127, the procession. The rubric is clear enough:
During the procession, psalms and other suitable songs may be sung. If this is not possible, a psalm is sung or recited either before or after the procession.
And Psalm 122 is provided with two options for a refrain. Other psalms may be used and are found in Part III of the OCF. The presumption in all of this is that these pieces will be in responsorial format, a dialogue between psalmist and people. Provision is made, you’ll note, for “suitable songs,” but psalms are still the first choice. Notice also “songs.” Not hymnody.
Thoughts or comments on any of this?
