Theme · Catholic Funeral Readings
Hope of Resurrection
The Christian faith stands or falls on the resurrection. Catholic tradition holds firmly to the resurrection of the body: not just the survival of the soul, but the raising of every body that has died in Christ on the last day. These readings proclaim that hope from its first Old Testament glimpses (Daniel 12) through Paul's most extended treatment (1 Corinthians 15) and Jesus' own words at the tomb of his friend ("I am the resurrection and the life"). Choose from this list when you want the funeral to proclaim the full Christian hope without softening.
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Readings on this theme
- First ReadingIsaiah 25:6a, 7-9He will destroy death forever
- First ReadingDaniel 12:1-3Those who sleep in the dust shall awake
- Second Reading (New Testament)Romans 6:3-9We shall also live with him
- Second Reading (New Testament)1 Corinthians 15:20-24a, 25-28So too in Christ shall all be brought to life
- Second Reading (New Testament)1 Corinthians 15:51-57Death is swallowed up in victory
- Gospel ReadingJohn 5:24-29Whoever hears my word has passed from death to life
- Gospel ReadingJohn 11:17-27I am the resurrection and the life
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