Below are options for readings that can be used for funerals. Generally, families will choose a reading for the Old Testament, a psalm, and a Gospel reading. Families can choose a New Testament reading as well, and during the Easter season we always include a New Testament for Reading I.
The readings in the church’s prayer book will sound a bit different at the funeral. The prayer book readings are under copyright, so I had to use different translations without copyright. I highly recommend https://ebible.org/study/ to browse a variety of translations. The prayer book closely follows the NABRE translation, so I linked to it below each selection. The NRSV is another highly-regarded translation of the Scriptures that is used in Canada and elsewhere.
Quick Links:
- Reading I from the Old Testament
- Reading I from the New Testament during Easter
- Reading II from New Testament
- Gospel Readings
1011: Readings from the Old Testament
1) 2 Macc 12:43-46
And making a gathering, he sent twelve thousand drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection. And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness had great grace laid up for them. It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.
DRV (Douay-Rheims Version with modifications).
2) Job 19:1, 23-27a
Then Job answered, and said, Who will grant me that my words may be written? Who will grant me that they may be marked down in a book? With an iron pen and in a plate of lead, or else be graven with an instrument in flint stone. For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and in the last day I shall rise out of the earth. And I shall be clothed again with my skin, and in my flesh I will see my God. Whom I myself shall see, and my eyes shall behold.
WEB (The World English Bible).
3) Wis 3:1-9 or 3:1-6, 9
But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure was taken for misery: And their going away from us, for utter destruction: but they are in peace.And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality. Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace he hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust he hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them. The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. They that trust in him, shall understand the truth: and they that are faithful in love shall rest in him: for grace and peace is to his elect.
DRV
4) Wis 4:7-14
But the just man, if he be prevented with death, shall be in rest.For venerable old age is not that of long time, nor counted by the number of years: but the understanding of a man is grey hairs. And a spotless life is old age. He pleased God and was beloved, and living among sinners he was translated. He was taken away lest wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the bewitching of vanity obscures good things, and the wandering of concupiscence overturns the innocent mind. Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time: For his soul pleased God: therefore he hastened to bring him out of the midst of iniquities.
DRV
5) Isa 25:6a, 7-9
In this mountain, Yahweh of Armies will make all peoples a feast of choice meat, a feast of choice wines. He will destroy in this mountain the surface of the covering that covers all peoples, and the veil that is spread over all nations. He has swallowed up death forever! The Lord Yahweh will wipe away tears from all faces. He will take the reproach of his people away from all the earth, for Yahweh has spoken it.
WEB
6) Lam 3:17-26
You have removed my soul far away from peace. I forgot prosperity. I said, “My strength has perished, along with my expectation from Yahweh.” Remember my affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the bitterness. My soul still remembers them, and is bowed down within me. This I recall to my mind; therefore I have hope. It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his mercies don’t fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. “Yahweh is my portion,” says my soul. “Therefore I will hope in him.” Yahweh is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that a man should hope and quietly wait for the salvation of Yahweh. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
WEB
7) Dan 12:1-3
“At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people. There will be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time. At that time, your people will be delivered—everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine as the brightness of the expanse. Those who turn many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
WEB
1012: Reading I from the NT during the Season of Easter
1) Acts 10:34-43 (or 10:34-36, 42-43)
Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. God raised him up the third day and gave him to be revealed, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”
OEB (Open English Bible)
2) Rev 14:13
Then I heard a voice from heaven saying ‘Write: “Blessed are the dead who from this hour die in union with the Lord.”’
OEB
“Yes,” answers the Spirit, “that they may rest from their toil. Their good deeds go with them.”
3) Rev 20:11—21:1
Then I saw a great white throne, and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence; no place was left for them. And I saw the dead, high and low, standing before the throne; and books were opened. Then another book was opened, the book of life; and the dead were judged, according to their actions, by what was written in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead; and they were judged, one by one, each according to his actions. Then Death and Hades were hurled into the lake of fire. This is the Second Death — the lake of fire; and all whose names were not found written in the book of life were hurled into the lake of fire. Then I saw new heavens and a new earth. The former heavens and the former earth had passed away; and the sea has ceased to be.
OEB
4) Rev 21:1-5a, 6b-7
Then I saw new heavens and a new earth. The former heavens and the former earth had passed away; and the sea has ceased to be. And I saw the Holy City, Jerusalem, descending new out of heaven from God, like a bride adorned in readiness for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, which said — ‘See! The tent of God is set up among people. God will live among them, and they will be his Peoples, and God himself will be among them, and he will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, nor will there be any more grief or crying or pain. The old order has passed away.’ And he who was seated on the throne said — ‘See, I make all things new!’ And he said — ‘Write this, for these words may be trusted and are true.’ And he said to me — ‘They are fulfilled. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the End. To those who thirst I will give of the spring of the water of life, freely. Those who conquer will enter into possession of these things, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.
OEB
1014: Reading II from the NT
1) Rom 5:5-11
Hope never disappoints. For the love of God has filled our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given us; seeing that, while we were still powerless, Christ, in God’s good time, died on behalf of the godless. Even for an upright person scarcely anyone will die. For a really good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God puts his love for us beyond all doubt by the fact that Christ died on our behalf while we were still sinners. Much more, then, now that we have been pronounced righteous by virtue of the shedding of his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, much more, now that we have become reconciled, will we be saved by virtue of Christ’s life. And not only that, but we exult in God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, through whom we have now obtained this reconciliation.
OEB
2) Rom 5:17-21
For if, by reason of the offense of the one man, death reigned through that one man, far more will those, on whom God’s loving kindness and his gift of righteousness are lavished, find life, and reign through the one man, Jesus Christ. Briefly then, just as a single offense resulted for all humanity in condemnation, so, too, a single decree of righteousness resulted for all humanity in that declaration of righteousness which brings life. For, as through the disobedience of the one man the whole human race was rendered sinful, so, too, through the obedience of the one, the whole human race will be rendered righteous. Law was introduced in order that offenses might be multiplied. But, where sins were multiplied, the loving kindness of God was lavished the more, in order than, just as sin had reigned in the realm of death, so, too, might Loving-kindness reign through righteousness, and result in eternal life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
OEB
3) Rom 6:3-9 (or 6:3-4, 8-9)
Do not know that all of us, who were baptized into union with Christ Jesus, in our baptism shared his death? 4Consequently, through sharing his death in our baptism, we were buried with him; so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by a manifestation of the Father’s power, so we also may live a new life. If we have become united with him by the act symbolic of his death, surely we will also become united with him by the act symbolic of his resurrection. We recognize the truth that our old self was crucified with Christ, in order that the body, the stronghold of sin, might be rendered powerless, so that we should no longer be slaves to sin. For the man who has so died has been pronounced righteous and released from sin. And our belief is, that, as we have shared Christ’s death, we will also share his life. We know, indeed, that Christ, having once risen from the dead, will not die again. Death has power over him no longer.
OEB
4) Romans 8:14-23
All who are guided by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of a slave, to fill you once more with fear, but the spirit of a son which leads us to cry ‘Abba, Our Father.’ The Spirit himself unites with our spirits in bearing witness to our being God’s children, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, since we share Christ’s sufferings in order that we may also share his glory.
OEB
I do not count the sufferings of our present life worthy of mention when compared with the glory that is to be revealed and bestowed on us. All Nature awaits with eager expectation the appearing of the sons of God. For Nature was made subject to imperfection – not by its own choice, but owing to him who made it so – yet not without the hope that some day Nature, also, will be set free from enslavement to decay, and will attain to the freedom which will mark the glory of the children of God. We know, indeed, that all Nature alike has been groaning in the pains of labor to this very hour. And not Nature only; but we ourselves also, though we have already a first gift of the Spirit – we ourselves are inwardly groaning, while we eagerly await our full adoption as sons – the redemption of our bodies.
5) Rom 8:31b-35, 37-39
If God is on our side, who can there be against us? God did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up on behalf of us all; will he not, then, with him, freely give us all things?
Who will bring a charge against any of God’s people? He who pronounces them righteous is God! Who is there to condemn them? He who died for us is Christ Jesus! – or, rather, it was he who was raised from the dead, and who is now at God’s right hand and is even pleading on our behalf!
Who is there to separate us from the love of the Christ? Will trouble, or difficulty, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword?
Yet amid all these things we more than conquer through him who loved us! For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor archangels, nor the present, nor the future, nor any powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord!
6) Rom 14:7-9, 10c-12
For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, “ ‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.’ ”So then each one of us will give account of himself to God.
OEB
7) 1 Cor 15:20-24a, 25-28
But, in truth, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who are at rest. For, since through a man there is death, so, too, through a man there is a resurrection of the dead. For, as through union with Adam all die, so through union with the Christ will all be made to live. But each in their proper order – Christ the first-fruits; afterward, at his coming, those who belong to the Christ. Then will come the end – when he surrenders the kingdom to his God and Father, having overthrown all other rule and all other authority and power. For he must reign until God ‘has put all his enemies under his feet.’ The last enemy to be overthrown is death; for God has placed all things under Christ’s feet. (But, when it is said that all things have been placed under Christ, it is plain that God is excepted who placed everything under him.) And, when everything has been placed under him, the Son will place himself under God who placed everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
OEB
8) 1 Cor 15:51-57
Listen, I will tell you God’s hidden purpose! We will not all have passed to our rest, but we will all be transformed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet-call; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will rise immortal, and we, also, will be transformed. For this perishable body of ours must put on an imperishable form, and this dying body a deathless form. And, when this dying body has put on its deathless form, then indeed will the words of scripture come true – ‘death has been swallowed up in victory! Where, Death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting?’ It is sin that gives death its sting, and it is the Law that gives sin its power. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
OEB
9) 2 Cor 4:14—5:1
For we know that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with him, and will bring us, with you, into his presence. For all this is for your sakes, so that the loving kindness of God, spreading from heart to heart, may cause yet more hearts to overflow with thanksgiving, to his glory. Therefore, as I said, we do not lose heart. No, even though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. The light burden of our momentary trouble is preparing for us, in measure transcending thought, a weight of imperishable glory; 18we, all the while, gazing not on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is transient, but what is unseen is imperishable. For we know that if our tent – that earthly body which is now our home – is taken down, we have a house of God’s building, a home not made by hands, imperishable, in heaven.
OEB
10) 2 Cor 5:1, 6-10
For we know that if our tent – that earthly body which is now our home – is taken down, we have a house of God’s building, a home not made by hands, imperishable, in heaven. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, while our home is in the body, we are absent from our home with the Lord. For we guide our lives by faith, and not by what we see. And in this confidence we would gladly leave our home in the body, and make our home with the Lord. Therefore, whether in our home or absent from our home, our one ambition is to please him. For at the court of the Christ we must all appear in our true characters, so that each may reap the results of the life which he has lived in the body, in accordance with his actions – whether good or worthless.
OEB
11) Phil 3:20-21
But we are citizens of heaven, and from heaven we expect a savior to come, the Lord Jesus Christ. By the exercise of his power to bring everything into subjection to himself, he will make our humble bodies like his glorious body.
OEB
12) 1 Thess 4:13-18
We don’t want you to be ignorant, friends, about those who have passed to their rest. We don’t want you to grieve like other people who have no hope. For, as we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also we believe that God will bring, with Jesus, those who through him have passed to their rest. This we tell you on the authority of the Lord – that those of us who are still living at the coming of the Lord will not anticipate those who have passed to their rest. For, with a loud summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the trumpet-call of God, the Lord himself will come down from heaven. Then those who died in union with Christ will rise first; and afterward we who are still living will be caught up in the clouds, with them, to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be for ever with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with what I have told you.
OEB
13) 2 Tim 2:8-13
Keep before your mind Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David, as told in the good news entrusted to me; in the service of which I am suffering hardships, even to being put in fetters as a criminal. But the message of God is not fettered; and that is why I submit to anything for the sake of God’s people: so that they also may obtain the salvation which comes from union with Christ Jesus, and imperishable glory. How true this saying is – ‘If we have shared his death, we will also share his life. If we continue to endure, we will also share his throne. If we should ever disown him, he, too, will disown us. If we lose our trust, he is still to be trusted, for he cannot be false to himself!’
OEB
14) 1 John 3:1-2
See what great love the Father has lavished on us: he lets us be called God’s children! For that is what we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it has not learned to know him. Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is that, when it is revealed, we will be like him, because we will see him as he is.
OEB
15) 1 John 3:14-16
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love each other. The person who does not love remains in a state of death. The person who hates another is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life dwelling within them. This is how we know that love is: Christ gave his life for us.
OEB
1016: Gospel
1) Matt 5:1-12a
Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He opened his mouth and taught them, saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.
OEB
NABRE | NRSV
2) Matt 11:25-30
Jesus uttered the words, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that, though you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, you have revealed them to the child-like! Yes, Father, I thank you that this has seemed good to you. Everything has been committed to me by my Father; nor does anyone fully know the Son, except the Father, or fully know the Father, except the Son and those to whom the Son may choose to reveal him. Come to me, all you who toil and are burdened, and I will give you rest! Take my yoke on you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest for your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
OEB
3) Matt 25:1-13
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. The foolish ones took their lamps, but took no oil with them; while the prudent ones, besides taking their lamps, took oil in their jars. As the groom was late in coming, they all became drowsy, and slept. But at midnight a shout was raised – ‘The groom is coming! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the bridesmaids woke up and trimmed their lamps, and the foolish said to the prudent ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ But the prudent ones answered ‘No, There may not be enough for you and for us. Go instead to those who sell it, and buy for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy it, the groom came; and the bridesmaids who were ready went in with him to the banquet, and the door was shut. Afterward the other bridesmaids came. ‘Sir, Sir,’ they said, ‘open the door to us!’ But the groom answered ‘I tell you, I do not know you.’ Therefore watch, since you know neither the day nor the hour.
OEB
4) Matt 25:31-46
“When the Son of Man has come in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will take his seat on his throne of glory; and all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people – just as a shepherd separates sheep from goats – placing the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, enter into possession of the kingdom prepared for you ever since the beginning of the world. For, when I was hungry, you gave me food; when I was thirsty, you gave me drink; when I was a stranger, you took me to your homes; when I was naked, you clothed me; when I fell ill, you visited me; and when I was in prison, you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you? Or thirsty, and give you a drink? When did we see you a stranger, and take you to our homes? Or naked, and clothe you? When did we see you ill, or in prison, and come to you?’ And the king will reply ‘I tell you, as often as you did it to one of these my brothers or sisters, however unimportant they seemed, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those on his left ‘Go from my presence, accursed, into the permanent fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels. For, when I was hungry, you gave me no food; when I was thirsty, you gave me no drink; when I was a stranger, you did not take me to your homes; when I was naked, you did not clothe me; and, when I was ill and in prison, you did not visit me.’ Then they, in their turn, will answer ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or ill, or in prison, and did not supply your wants?’ And then he will reply ‘I tell you, as often as you failed to do it to one of these, however unimportant, you failed to do it to me.’ And these last will go away into lasting correction, but the righteous into lasting life.”
OEB
5) Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-6 (or 15:33-39)
At midday, a darkness came over the whole country, lasting until three in the afternoon. And, at three, Jesus called out loudly, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani?” which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ Some of those standing around heard this, and said, “Listen! He is calling for Elijah!” And a man ran, and, soaking a sponge in common wine, put it on the end of a rod, and offered it to him to drink, saying as he did so, “Wait and let us see if Elijah is coming to take him down.” But Jesus, giving a loud cry, breathed his last. The Temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. The Roman officer, who was standing facing Jesus, on seeing the way in which he breathed his last, exclaimed, “This man must indeed have been God’s son!” When the Sabbath was over, Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought some spices, so that they might go and anoint the body of Jesus. Very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb, after sunrise. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” But, on looking up, they saw that the stone had already been rolled back; it was a very large one. Going into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on their right, in a white robe, and they were dismayed; but he said to them, “Do not be dismayed; you are looking for Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified; he has risen, he is not here!
OEB
6) Luke 7:11-17
Shortly after, Jesus went to a town called Nain, his disciples and a great crowd going with him. Just as he approached the gate of the town, there was a dead man being carried out for burial – an only son, and his mother was a widow. A large number of the people of the town were with her. When he saw her, the Master was moved with compassion for her, and he said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he went up and touched the bier, and the bearers stopped; and Jesus said, “Young man, I am speaking to you – Rise!” The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus restored him to his mother. Everyone was awe-struck and began praising God. “A great prophet has arisen among us,” they said. “God has visited his people.” And this story about Jesus spread all through Judea, and in the neighboring countries as well.
OEB
7) Luke 12:35-40
Make yourselves ready, with your lamps alight; and be like servants who are waiting for their Master’s return from his wedding, so that, when he comes and knocks, they may open the door for him at once. Happy are those servants whom, on his return, the Master will find watching. I tell you that he will make himself ready, and have them take their places at the table, and will come and serve them. Whether it is late at night, or in the early morning that he comes, if he finds all as it should be, then happy are they. This you do know, that, had the owner of the house known at what time the thief was coming, he would have been on the watch, and would not have let his house be broken into. You must also prepare, for when you are least expecting him the Son of Man will come.”
OEB
8) Luke 23:33, 39-43
When they had reached the place called ‘The Skull,’ there they crucified Jesus and the criminals, one on the right, and one on the left. One of the criminals who were hanging beside Jesus railed at him. “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us,” he said. But the other rebuked him. “Haven’t you,” he said, “any fear of God, now that you are under the same sentence? And we justly so, for we are only reaping our deserts, but this man has not done anything wrong. Jesus,” he went on, “do not forget me when you have come to your kingdom.” And Jesus answered, “I tell you, this very day you will be with me in Paradise.”
OEB
9) Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53; 24:1-6a (or 23:44-46, 50, 52-53)
It was nearly midday, when a darkness came over the whole country, lasting until three in the afternoon, the sun being eclipsed; and the Temple curtain was torn down the middle. Then Jesus, with a loud cry, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” And with these words he expired. Now there was a man of the name of Joseph, who was a member of the Council, and who bore a good and upright character. He now went to see Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus; and, when he had taken it down, he wrapped it in a linen sheet, and laid him in a tomb cut out of stone, in which no one had yet been buried. very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb, taking with them the spices that they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb; and, on going into it, they could not find the body Some later manuscripts add: of the Lord Jesus. While they were at a loss to account for this, all at once two men stood beside them, in dazzling clothing. But, when in their fear the women bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why are you looking among the dead for him who is living?
OEB
10 ) Luke 24:13-35
It happened that very day that two of the disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem, talking together, as they went, about all that had just taken place. While they were talking about these things and discussing them, Jesus himself came up and went on their way with them; but their eyes were blinded so that they could not recognize him. “What is this that you are saying to each other as you walk along?” Jesus asked. They stopped, with sad looks on their faces, and then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, said to Jesus, “Are you staying by yourself at Jerusalem, that you have not heard of the things that have happened there within the last few days?” “What things do you mean?” asked Jesus. “Why, about Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered, “who, in the eyes of God and all the people, was a prophet, whose power was felt in both his words and actions; and how the chief priests and our leading men gave him up to be sentenced to death, and afterward crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the Destined Deliverer of Israel; yes, and besides all this, it is now three days since these things occurred. And what is more, some of the women among us have greatly astonished us. They went to the tomb at daybreak And, not finding the body of Jesus there, came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels who told them that he was alive. So some of our number went to the tomb and found everything just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” Then Jesus said to them, “Foolish men, slow to accept all that the prophets have said! Was not the Christ bound to undergo this suffering before entering into his glory?” Then, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them all through the scriptures the passages that referred to himself. When they got near the village to which they were walking, Jesus appeared to be going further; but they pressed him not to do so. “Stay with us,” they said, “for it is getting towards evening, and the sun in already low.” So Jesus went in to stay with them. After he had taken his place at the table with them, he took the bread and said the blessing, and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him; but he disappeared from their sight. “How our hearts glowed,” the disciples said to each other, “while he was talking to us on the road, and when he explained the scriptures to us!” Then they immediately got up and returned to Jerusalem, where they found the Eleven and their companions all together, who told them that the Master had really risen, and had appeared to Simon.
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11 ) John 5:24-29
In truth I tell you that the person who listens to my message and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and does not come under condemnation, but has already passed out of death into life. In truth I tell you that a time is coming, indeed it is already here, when the dead will listen to the voice of the Son of God, and when those who listen will live. For, just as the Father has inherent life within him, so also he has granted to the Son to have inherent life within him; and, because he is Son of Man, he has also given him authority to act as judge. Do not wonder at this; for the time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice, and will come out – those who have done good rising to life, and those who have lived evil lives rising for condemnation.
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12) John 6:37-40
All those whom the Father gives me will come to me; and no one who comes to me will I ever turn away. For I have come down from heaven, to do, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me; and his will is this – that I should not lose one of all those whom he has given me, but should raise them up at the Last day. For it is the will of my Father that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have immortal life; and I myself will raise him up at the Last day.”
OEB
13) John 6:51-58
I am the living bread that has come down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, they will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” They began disputing with one another, “How is it possible for this man to give us his flesh to eat?” “In truth I tell you,” answered Jesus, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, you have not life within you. Everyone who takes my flesh for their food, and drinks my blood, has eternal life; and I will raise them up at the Last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood true drink. Everyone who takes my flesh for their food, and drinks my blood, remains united to me, and I to them. As the living Father sent me as his messenger, and as I live because the Father lives, so the person who takes me for their food will live because I live. That is the bread which has come down from heaven – not such as your ancestors ate, and yet died; the person who takes this bread for their food will live forever.”
OEB
14) John 11:17-27 (or 11:21-27)
When Jesus reached the place, he found that Lazarus had been four days in the tomb already. Bethany being only about two miles from Jerusalem, a number of the people had come there to comfort Martha and Mary because of brother’s death. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat quietly at home. “Master,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now, I know that God will grant you whatever you ask him.” “Your brother will rise to life,” said Jesus. “I know that he will,” replied Martha, “in the resurrection at the Last day.” “I am the resurrection and the life,” said Jesus. “He who believes in me will live, though he die; and he who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes Master,” she answered. “I have learned to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
OEB
15) John 11:32-45
When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she threw herself at his feet. “Master,” she exclaimed, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died!” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the people who had come with her weeping also, he groaned deeply, and was greatly distressed. “Where have you buried him?” he asked. “Come and see, Master,” they answered. Jesus burst into tears. “How he must have loved him!” the people exclaimed; but some of them said, “Could not this man, who gave sight to the blind man, have also prevented Lazarus from dying?” Again groaning inwardly, Jesus came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against the mouth of it. “Move the stone away,” said Jesus. “Master,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time the smell must be offensive, for this is the fourth day since his death.” “Didn’t I tell you,” replied Jesus, “that, if you would believe in me, you should see the glory of God?” So they moved the stone away; and Jesus, with uplifted eyes, said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard my prayer; I know that you always hear me; but I say this for the sake of the people standing near, so that they may believe that you has sent me as your messenger.” Then, after saying this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus! Come out!” The dead man came out, wrapped hand and foot in a winding-sheet; his face, too, had been wrapped in a cloth. “Set him free,” said Jesus, “and let him go.” In consequence of this, many of the people, who had come to visit Mary and had seen what Jesus did, learned to believe in him.
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16) John 12:23-28
“The time has come for the Son of Man to be exalted. In truth I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains solitary; but, if it dies, it becomes fruitful. A person who loves their life loses it; while someone who hates their life in the present world will preserve it for eternal life. If someone is ready to serve me, let them follow me; and where I am, there my servant will be also. If a person is ready to serve me, my Father will honor them. Now I am distressed at heart and what can I say? Father, bring me safe through this hour – yet it was for this reason that I came to this hour – Father, honor your own name.” At this there came a voice from heaven, which said, “I have already honored it, and I will honor it again.”
OEB
17) John 14:1-6
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s Home there are many dwellings. If it had not been so, I should have told you, for I am going to prepare a place for you. And, since I go and prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me, so that you may be where I am; and you know the way to the place where I am going.” “We do not know where you are going, Master,” said Thomas. “So how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one ever comes to the Father except through me.
OEB
18) John 17:24-26
Father, my desire for all those whom you have given me is that they may be with me where I am, so that they may see the honor which you have given me; for thou did love me before the beginning of the world. Righteous Father, though the world did not know you, I knew you; and these people knew that you have sent me as your messenger. I have made you known to them, and will do so still; that the love that you have had for me may be in their hearts, and that I may be in them also.”
OEB
19) John 19:17-18, 25-39
So they took Jesus; and he went out, carrying his cross himself, to the place which is named from a scull, or, in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified him, and two others with him – one on each side, and Jesus between them. That was what the soldiers did. Meanwhile near the cross of Jesus were standing his mother and his mother’s sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved, standing near, he said to his mother, “There is your son.” Then he said to that disciple, “There is your mother.” And from that very hour the disciple took her to live in his house. Afterward, knowing that everything was now finished, Jesus said, in fulfillment of the words of scripture, “I am thirsty.” There was a bowl standing there full of common wine; so they put a sponge soaked in the wine on the end of a hyssop-stalk, and held it up to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he exclaimed, “All is finished!” Then, bowing his head, he resigned his spirit to God. It was the Preparation day, and so, to prevent the bodies from remaining on the crosses during the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a great day), the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed. Accordingly the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man, and then those of the other who had been crucified with Jesus; but, on coming to him, when they saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and blood and water immediately flowed from it. This is the statement of one who actually saw it – and his statement may be relied on, and he knows that he is speaking the truth – and it is given in order that you also may be convinced. For all this happened in fulfillment of the words of scripture – ‘Not one of its bones will be broken.’ And there is another passage which says – ‘They will look on him whom they pierced.’ After this, Joseph of Ramah, a disciple of Jesus – but a secret one, owing to his fear of the religious authorities – begged Pilate’s permission to remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him leave; so Joseph went and removed the body. Nicodemus, too – the man who had formerly visited Jesus by night – came with a roll of myrrh and aloes, weighing nearly a hundred pounds.
OEB
Paolo Puccini, CSP 