Old Testament Readings Typically Chosen

A Reading from the Second Book of Maccabees

He then took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrection in mind; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be absolved from their sin.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Daniel 12:1, 2a,3

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Daniel

In those days, I, Daniel, mourned and heard this word of the Lord: “At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since the nation began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake. Those with insight shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.

The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Daniel 12:1-3

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Daniel

In those days, I, Daniel, mourned and heard this word of the Lord: “At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since the nation began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; Some to everlasting life, others to reproach and everlasting disgrace. But those with insight shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.

The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11

A reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: A time for giving birth, a time for dying; A time for planting, a time for uprooting what has been planted. A time for killing and a time for healing; A time for knocking down, a time for building; A time for tears, a time for laughter; A time for mourning, a time for dancing. A time for throwing stones away, a time for gathering them up; A time for embracing, a time to refrain from embracing. A time for searching, a time for losing; A time for keeping, a time for throwing away. A time for tearing, a time for sewing; A time for keeping silent, a time for speaking. A time for loving, a time for hating; A time for war, a time for peace! God has made everything beautiful in its time.

The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 12

A reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.

A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.

A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak.

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

I recognized that there is nothing better than to rejoice and to do well during life.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-12

A reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. What profit have workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given mortals to be busied about. God has made everything appropriate to its time, but has put the timeless into their hearts so they cannot find out, from beginning to end, the work which God has done. I recognized that there is nothing better than to rejoice and to do well during life.

The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Ezekiel 36:24-27

A reading from the Book of Ezekiel

Thus says the Lord GOD:

I will take you away from among the nations, gather you from all the lands, and bring you back to your own soil.

I will sprinkle clean water over you to make you clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

I will put my spirit within you so that you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep them.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Isaiah 25: 6a, 7-9

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations; He will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces; The reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken. On that day it will be said: “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”

The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Isaiah 41:10-13

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Yes, all shall be put to shame and disgrace who vent their anger against you; Those shall be as nothing and perish who offer resistance.

You shall seek but not find those who strive against you; They shall be as nothing at all who do battle with you.

For I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, Do not fear, I will help you.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Isaiah 49:1-4

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

Hear me, coastlands, listen, distant peoples. Before birth the LORD called me, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. He made my mouth like a sharp-edged sword, concealed me, shielded by his hand. He made me a sharpened arrow, in his quiver he hid me. He said to me, You are my servant, in you, Israel, I show my glory. Though I thought I had toiled in vain, for nothing and for naught spent my strength, Yet my right is with the LORD, my recompense is with my God.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Job 19: 1, 23-27a

A Reading from the Book of Job

Then Job answered and said: Oh, would that my words were written down! Would that they were inscribed in a record: That with an iron chisel and with lead they were cut in the rock forever! As for me, I know that my vindicator lives, and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust. This will happen when my skin has been stripped off, and from my flesh I will see God: I will see for myself, my own eyes, not another’s, will behold him: my inmost being is consumed with longing.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Joshua 24:14-15

A reading from the book of Joshua.

“Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve him completely and sincerely. Cast out the gods your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. If it is displeasing to you to serve the Lord, choose today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Lamentations 3:17-26 A Reading from the Book of Lamentations

My life is deprived of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is;

My enduring hope, I said, has perished before the LORD.

The thought of my wretched homelessness is wormwood and poison;

Remembering it over and over, my soul is downcast.

But this I will call to mind; therefore I will hope:

The LORD’s acts of mercy are not exhausted, his compassion is not spent; They are renewed each morning—great is your faithfulness!

The LORD is my portion, I tell myself, therefore I will hope in him.

The LORD is good to those who trust in him, to the one that seeks him;

It is good to hope in silence for the LORD’s deliverance.

The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Micah 7:7-9 A Reading from the Book of Micah I will look to the LORD, I will wait for God my savior; My God will hear me! Do not rejoice over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; Though I sit in darkness, the LORD is my light. I will endure the wrath of the LORD

because I have sinned against him,

until he pleads my case,

and establishes my right. He will bring me forth to the light; I will see his righteousness.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Proverbs 12:19-28 A Reading from the Book of Proverbs Truthful lips endure forever, the lying tongue, for only a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,

but those who counsel peace have joy. No harm befalls the just,

but the wicked are overwhelmed with misfortune. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,

but those who are truthful, his delight. The shrewd conceal knowledge,

but the hearts of fools proclaim folly. The diligent hand will govern, but sloth makes for forced labor. Worry weighs down the heart, but a kind word gives it joy. The just act as guides to their neighbors,

but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Sloth does not catch its prey,

but the wealth of the diligent is splendid. In the path of justice is life,

but the way of abomination leads to death.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Proverbs 31:10-31 A reading from the Book of Proverbs

Who can find a woman of worth? Far beyond jewels is her value. Her husband trusts her judgment; he does not lack income. She brings him profit, not loss, all the days of her life. She seeks out wool and flax and weaves with skillful hands. Like a merchant fleet, she secures her provisions from afar. She rises while it is still night, and distributes food to her household, a portion to her maidservants. She picks out a field and acquires it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength; she exerts her arms with vigor. She enjoys the profit from her dealings; her lamp is never extinguished at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle. She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. She is not concerned for her household when it snows — all her charges are doubly clothed. She makes her own coverlets; fine linen and purple are her clothing. Her husband is prominent at the city gates as he sits with the elders of the land. She makes garments and sells them, and stocks the merchants with belts. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs at the days to come. She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband, too, praises her: “Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all.” Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Acclaim her for the work of her hands, and let her deeds praise her at the city gates.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 23

A reading from the Book of Psalms

The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Wisdom 3:1-6,9

A reading from the Book of Wisdom

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Wisdom 3:1-9

A reading from the Book of Wisdom

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.

The word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Wisdom 4:7-15

A reading from the Book of Wisdom

The just man, though he die early, shall be at rest. For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years. Rather, understanding is the hoary crown for men, and an unsullied life, the attainment of old age. He who pleased God was loved; he who lived among sinners was transported – Snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind or deceit beguile his soul; For the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind. Having become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career; for his soul was pleasing to the LORD, therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness. But the people saw and did not understand, nor did they take this into account.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Wisdom 7:7-11

A reading from the Book of Wisdom

I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded and the spirit of Wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepter and throne, and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her, nor did I liken any priceless gem to her; because all gold, in view of her, is a bit of sand, and before her, silver is to be accounted mire. Beyond health and beauty I loved her, and I chose to have her rather than the light, because her radiance never ceases. Yet all good things together came to me with her, and countless riches at her hands.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

During the Easter season (from Easter Sunday through Pentecost) the First Reading must be chosen from:

• Acts 10:34-43 - Everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness - He is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead • Acts 10:34-36, 42-43 - Everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness -He is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead • Revelation 14:13 - Let them find rest from their labors - Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord • Revelation 20:11-21:1 - Dead judged according to deeds - New heaven and a new earth • Revelation 21:1-7 - There shall be no more death - Alpha & Omega • Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7 - There shall be no more death - Alpha & Omega Acts 10:34-43 A reading from the Acts of the Apostles

Peter proceeded to speak saying, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Acts 10:34-36, 42-43

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Revelation 14:13

A reading from the Book of Revelation

I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” said the Spirit, “let them find rest from their labors, for their works accompany them.”

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Revelation 20:11-21:1

A Reading from the Book of Revelation

Next I saw a large white throne and the one who was sitting on it. The earth and the sky fled from his presence and there was no place for them. I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, the book of life The dead were judged according to their deeds, by what was written in the scrolls. The sea gave up its dead; then Death and Hades gave up their dead. All the dead were judged according to their deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the pool of fire. (This pool of fire is the second death.) Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the pool of fire. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7 A reading from the Book of Revelation

I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.” The One who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son.”

The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Revelation 21:1-7

A reading from the Book of Revelation

The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.