Good Readings for a Catholic Funeral

A Reading from the Book of Wisdom (2:4B-9) 

So our life will pass away like the traces of a cloud,

and will be dispersed like a mist

Pursued by the sun’s rays

and overpowered by its heat.

For our lifetime is the passing of a shadow;

and our dying cannot be deferred

because it is fixed with a seal; and no one returns.

Come, therefore, let us enjoy the good things that are here,

and make use of creation with youthful zest.

Let us have our fill of costly wine and perfumes,

and let no springtime blossom pass us by;

let us crown ourselves with rosebuds before they wither.

Let no meadow be free from our wantonness;

everywhere let us leave tokens of our merriment,

for this is our portion, and this our lot.

The Word of the Lord

A Reading from the Paul to Romans (12:9-18)

Let love be sincere;

hate what is evil, hold on to what is good;

love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.

Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.

Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,exercise hospitality.

Bless those who persecute [you],bless and do not curse them.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.

If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (5:1-13)

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples 

came to him .He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,

for they will see God

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against

you [falsely] because of me.Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven

The Gospel of the Lord