Category Archives: Order of Christian Funerals

I think we used a longer form of 1 Corinthians for a priest’s funeral once, 9:16-19, 22-27, and that seems fitting, using Saint Paul’s reference to his own apostolic credentials and how he conducted his ministry in Corinth. For an … Continue reading →

The book of Proverbs concludes with a twenty-two-line poem extolling the ideal woman. Scripture scholars in our midst should perks up at that number, for yes, each line of this text in the Hebrew original begins with a sequenced letter of … Continue reading →

This brief passage presents a bit of Saint Paul’s backstory, his experience of trials and suffering, as well as his sense of accomplishment. Today’s Christian might find the athletic imagery appealing. I think this is why one of my pastors promoted … Continue reading →

Funerals of children, thank goodness, are rare. Don’t forget to turn the pages of the Order of Christian Funerals and find the selection of readings given for the tragedy of a young person’s death. There is one Gospel passage that … Continue reading →

It’s a Christmas reading, and if you attend Midnight Mass it should be familiar: Beloved: the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in … Continue reading →

At a wedding, when 1 Corinthians 13 is read, usually it’s the whole chapter. This second half of that larger reading seems appropriate for a reflection on the end of life and to what lies beyond human death. What does … Continue reading →

I know what a few of you are going to say. “But this is a wedding reading!” Will mourners sit up straight, cock their heads, and ask if nuptials broke out at a funeral? A reading like this will get … Continue reading →

I’m not sure which priest I worked for suggested this brief reading to his parishioners, but I thought it a succinct and appropriate selection for the occasion of a funeral. It seems to touch on three important points. But before … Continue reading →

The first reading for All Saints has a narrow intersection with one of the readings suggested for a funeral of a child (but not for an adult): verses 9 and 10. The commonality: I had a vision of a great … Continue reading →

A brief passage here, taken out of context of a larger narrative in Isaiah 46 in which pagan gods are mocked for being empty and powerless statues, dependent on human beings to carry them from place to place. God, however, … Continue reading →

Two of the most loved songs in Catholic liturgy (“Be Not Afraid,” “You Are Mine”) are based on this same passage in Isaiah. The message of comfort clearly speaks to many in the modern age. The excerpt I’ve used at … Continue reading →

More wisdom from Ben Sira, the author of the Book of Sirach. Our mortality is mentioned only in passing, to drive home the point about the value in having lived a virtuous life. Before using at a funeral, perhaps be sure … Continue reading →

Sometimes death is a welcome relief from suffering. Dare we say it? Sometimes we do. And in church circles there may be some degree of trepidation mouthing that sentiment. We accept life from conception to natural death, do we not? … Continue reading →

Some might find this farewell from  Jacob to his sons edifying. It had to be edited, as most of the offspring do not get good words from their father. Jacob addresses his eleventh son: Jacob said to Joseph: “I am … Continue reading →