Category Archives: Order of Christian Funerals

This is another non-Lectionary Scripture. It is part of a much longer reading suggested for the sacrament of Penance. When I was reflecting on this during my daily prayer, it struck me as ideal for a funeral. Brief. One point. … Continue reading →

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 →