"In every celebration for the dead, the Church attaches great importance to the reading of the word of God. The readings proclaim to the assembly the Paschal Mystery, teach remembrance of the dead, convey the hope of being gathered together again in God's kingdom, and encourage the witness of Christian life. Above all, the readings tell of God's designs for a world in which suffering and death will relinquish their hold on all whom God has called his own. A careful selection and use of readings from Scripture for the funeral rites will provide the family with an opportunity to hear God speak to them in their needs, sorrows, fears, and hopes.
In the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word at the funeral liturgy, the Biblical readings may not be replaced by nonbiblical readings. But during prayer services with the family nonbiblical readings may be used in addition to readings from Scripture."
– Order of Christian Funerals, General Introduction, nos. 22-23
Readings for the funeral liturgy must be selected from among the options listed below. Family members or friends who are practicing Catholics may be permitted to read at the discretion of the priest. If none of the family members are practicing Catholics, parish lectors will be asked to do the readings.
C1: Maccabees 12:43-46
C2: Job 19:1, 23-27a
C3: Wisdom 3:1-9 (longer) C3: Wisdom 3:1-6, 9 (shorter)
C4: Wisdom 4:7-15
C5: Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9
C6: Lamentations 3:17-26
C7: Daniel 12:1-3
If the funeral takes place during the Easter season (Easter Sunday - Pentecost Sunday) the first reading is to be chosen from among the following:
C8: Acts 10:34-43 (longer) C8: Acts 10:34-36, 42-43 shorter)
C9: Revelation 14:13
C10: Revelation 20:11-21:1
C11: Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7