Funeral Readings

C1 Maccabees 12:43-46 (Printable Version)
A reading from the second book of Maccabees
Judas, the ruler of Israel, 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 of the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. 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 freed from this sin.
The word of the Lord.

C2 Job 19:1, 23-27 (Printable Version)
A reading from the book of Job
Job answered Bildad the Shuhite 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! But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives, and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust; Whom I myself shall see: my own eyes, not another’s, shall behold him, And from my flesh I shall see God; my inmost being is consumed with longing.
The word of the Lord.

C3 Wisdom 3:1-9 (Printable Version)
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 a 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.

C3 (Short version) Wisdom 3:1-6, 9 (Printable Version)
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 in the eyes of men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope of full 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.

C4 Wisdom 4:7-15 (Printable Version)
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.

C5 Isaiah 25:6a,7-9 (Printable Version)
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.

C6 Lamentations 3:17-26 (Printable Version)
A reading from the Book of Lamentations
My soul is deprived of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is; I tell myself my future is lost, all that I hoped for from the Lord. The thought of my homeless poverty is wormwood and gall; Remembering it over and over, Leaves my soul downcast within me. But I will call this to mind; As my reason to have hope: The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, great is his faithfulness. My portion is the Lord, says my soul; therefore I will hope in him. Good is the Lord to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him; It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.
The word of the Lord.

C7 Daniel 12:1-3 (Printable Version)
A reading from 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 shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and 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.

C8 (Long version) Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43 (Printable Version)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
Then 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 children of Israel 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.

C8 (Short version) Acts of the Apostles 10:34-36, 42-43 (Printable Version)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
Then 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 children of Israel as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, 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.

C9 Revelation 14:13 (Printable Version)
A reading from the Book of Revelation
I, John, 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.

C10 Revelation 20:11-21:1 (Printable Version)
A reading from the Book of Revelation
I, John, 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.

C11 Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7 (Printable Versions)
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.

E1 Romans 5:5-11 (Printable Version)
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Brothers and sisters: Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we’re still sinners Christ died for us. How much more then, since we are now justified by his Blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath. Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life. Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
The word of the Lord.

E2 Romans 5:17-21 (Printable Version)
A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans
Brothers and sisters: If, by the transgression of one, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ. In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so through one righteous act acquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of one man the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the one the many will be made righteous. The law entered in so that transgression might increase but, where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The word of the Lord.

E3 (Long version) Romans 6:3-9 (Printable Version)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Brothers and sisters: Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For a dead person has been absolved from sin. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him.
The word of the Lord.

E3 (Short version) Romans 6:3-4, 8-9 (Printable Version)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Brothers and sisters: Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him.
The word of the Lord.

E4 Romans 8:14-23 (Printable Version)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Brothers and sisters: Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
The word of the Lord.

E5 Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39 (Printable Version)
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things, we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The word of the Lord.

E6 Romans 14:7-9, 10c-12 (Printable Version)
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Brothers and sisters: No one lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Why then do you judge your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of God; for it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God.
The word of the Lord.

E7 1 (Long version) Corinthians 15:20-28 (Printable Version)
A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians
Brothers and sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; then comes the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, for “he subjected everything under his feet.” But when it says that everything has been subjected, it is clear that it excludes the one who subjected everything to him. When everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.
The word of the Lord.

E7 (Short version) 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (Printable Version)
A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians
Brothers and sisters:Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ.
The word of the Lord.

 C1.  Macabeos 12:43-46 (versión imprimible)
Lectura del segundo libro de los Macabeos
En aquellos días, Judas Macabeo, jefe de Israel, hizo una colecta y recogió dos mil dracmas de plata, que envió a Jerusalén para que ofrecieran un sacrificio de expiación por los pecados de los que habían muerto en la batalla.
Obró con gran rectitud y nobleza, pensando en la resurrección, pues si no hubiera esperado la resurrección de sus compañeros, habría sido completamente inútil orar por los muertos. Pero él consideraba que, a los que habían muerto piadosamente, les estaba reservada una magnifica recompensa.
En efecto, orar por los difuntos para que se vean libres de sus pecados es una acción santa y conveniente.
Palabra de Dios.

 C2.  Job 19, 1. 23-27 (versión imprimible)
Lectura del libro de Job
En aquellos días, Job tomó la palabra y dijo: “Ojalá que mis palabras se escribieran; ojalá que se grabaran en láminas de bronce o con punzón de hierro se esculpieran en la roca para siempre.
Yo sé bien que mi defensor está vivo y que al final se levantará al favor del humillado; de nuevo me revestiré de mi piel y con mi carne veré a mi Dios; yo mismo lo veré y no otro, mis propios ojos lo contemplarán.  Ésta es la firme esperanza que tengo.”
Palabra de Dios.

 C3. Sabiduría 3,1-9 (versión imprimible)
Lectura del libro de la Sabiduría
Las almas de los justos están en las manos de Dios y no los alcanzara ningún tormento. Los insensatos pensaban que los justos habían muerto, que su salida de este mundo era una desgracia y su salida de entre nosotros, una completa destrucción. Pero los justos están en paz. La gente pensaba que sus sufrimientos eran un castigo, pero ellos esperaban confiadamente la inmortalidad. Después de breves sufrimientos recibirán una abundante recompensa, pues Dios los puso a prueba y los hallo dignos de sí. Los probó como oro en el crisol y los aceptó como un holocausto agradable. En el día del juicio brillarán los justos como chispas que se propagan en un cañaveral. Juzgarán a las naciones y dominarán a los pueblos, y el Señor reinará eternamente sobre ellos. Los que confían en el Señor comprenderán la verdad y los que son fieles a su amor permanecerán a su lado, porque Dios ama a sus elegidos y cuida de ellos.
Palabra de Dios.

 C3. Sabiduría 3,1-6,9 – forma breve (versión imprimible)
Lectura del libro de la Sabiduría
Las almas de los justos están en las manos de Dios y no los alcanzará ningún tormento. Los insensatos pensaban que los justos habían muerto, que su salida de este mundo era una desgracia y su salida de entre nosotros, una completa destrucción. Pero los justos están en paz. La gente pensaba que sus sufrimientos eran un castigo, pero ellos esperaban confiadamente la inmortalidad. Después de breves sufrimientos recibirán una abundante recompensa, pues Dios los puso a prueba y los hallo dignos de sí. Los probó como oro en el crisol y los aceptó como un holocausto agradable. Los que confían en el Señor comprenderán la verdad y los que son fieles a su amor permanecerán a su lado,
porque Dios ama a sus elegidos y cuida de ellos.
Palabra de Dios.

C4. Sabiduría 4, 7-15 (versión imprimible)
Lectura del libro de la Sabiduría
El justo, aunque muera prematuramente, hallará descanso; porque la edad venerable no consiste en tener larga vida ni se mide por el número de años.  Las verdaderas canas del hombre son la prudencia y la edad avanzada se mide por una vida intachable.
Cumplió la voluntad de Dios, y Dios lo amó.
Vivía entre pecadores, y Dios se lo llevó;
se lo llevó para que la malicia no pervirtiera su conciencia,
para que no se dejara seducir por el engaño,
pues la fascinación del mal oscurece el bien
y el vértigo de las pasiones pervierte a las almas inocentes.
Llegó a la perfección a poco tiempo
y con eso alcanzó la plenitud de una larga vida.
Su vida le fue agradable a Dios,
por lo cual el Señor se apresuró a sacarlo de entre la maldad.
la gente ve, pero no comprende ni se da cuenta
de que Dios ama a los justos y se compadece de sus elegidos.
Palabra de Dios.

 C5. Isaías 25,6a. 7-9 (versión imprimible)
Lectura del libro del profeta Isaías
En aquel día, el Señor del universo preparará sobre este monte un festín con platillos suculentos para todos los pueblos.
El arrancará en este monte el velo que cubre el rostro de todos los pueblos, el paño que oscurece a todas las naciones. Destruirá la muerte para siempre; el Señor Dios enjugará las lágrimas de todos los rostros y borrará de toda la tierra la afrenta de su pueblo. Así lo ha dicho el Señor.
En aquel día se dirá: “Aquí está nuestro Dios, de quien esperábamos que nos salvara; alegrémonos y gocemos con la salvación que nos trae.”
Palabra de Dios.

C6. Lamentaciones 3:17-26 (versión imprimible)
Me han arrancado la paz
y ya no me acuerdo de la dicha.
Pienso que se me acabaron ya las fuerzas
y la esperanza en el Señor.
Fíjate, Señor, en mi pesar,
en esta amarga hiel que me envenena.
Apenas pienso en ello, me invade el abatimiento.
Pero, apenas me acuerdo de ti,
me lleno de esperanza.
La misericordia del Señor nunca termina
y nunca se acaba su compasión;
al contrario, cada mañana se renueven.
¡Qué grande es el Señor!
Yo me digo:
“El Señor es la parte que me ha tocado en herencia”
y en el Señor pongo mi esperanza.
El Señor es bueno con aquellos que en Él esperan,
con aquellos que lo buscan.
Es bueno esperar en silencio la salvación del Señor.
Palabra de Dios

 C7. Daniel 12: 1-3 (version imprimible)
En aquel tiempo, se levantará Miguel, el gran príncipe que defiende a tu pueblo.
Será aquél un tiempo de angustia, como no lo hubo desde el principio del mundo. Entonces se salvará tu pueblo; todos aquellos que están escritos en el libro. Mucho de los que duermen en el polvo, despertarán: unos para la vida eterna, otros para el eterno castigo.
Los guías sabios brillarán como el esplendor del firmamento, y los que enseñan a muchos la justicia, resplandecerán como estrellas por toda la eternidad.
Palabra de Dios.

 C8. Hechos de los Apostoles 10: 34-43 (version larga) version imprimible
En aquellos dias, Pedro se dirigio a Cornelio y a los que estaban en su casa, con estas palabras: “Ahora caigo en la cuenta de que Dios no hace distincion de personas, sino que accepta al que lo teme y practica la justicia,  sea de la nacion que fuere.  El envio su palabra a  los hijos de Israel, para anunciarles la paz por medio de Jesucristo, Señor de todos.
Ya saben ustedes lo sucedido en toda Judea, que tuvo principio en Galilea, despues del bautismo predicado por Juan: como Dios ungio con el poder  del Espiritu Santo a Jesus de Nazaret, y como este paso haciendo el bien, sanando a todos los oprimidos por el diablo, porque Dios estaba con el.
Palabra de Dios.

C8. Hechos de los Apóstoles 10, 34-43
Lectura del libro do los Apóstoles
Then 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 children of Israel 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.

C8. He is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.
(Short version) Acts of the Apostles 10:34-36, 42-43
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
Then 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 children of Israel as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, 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.

C9. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
Revelation 14:13
A reading from the Book of Revelation
I, John, 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.

C10 The dead were judged according to their deeds.
Revelation 20:11-21:1
A reading from the Book of Revelation
I, John, 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.

C11 There shall be no more death.
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.

E1. Romanos 5, 5-1 1 (version imprimable)
Lectura de la carta del apóstol san Pablo a los Romanos 5, 5-1 1
Hermanos y hermanas: La esperanza no defrauda porque Dios ha infundido su amor en nuestros corazones por medio del Espíritu Santo, que él mismo nos ha dado.
En efecto, cuando todavía no teníamos fuerzas para salir del pecado, Cristo murió por los pecadores en el tiempo señalado. Difícilmente habrá alguien que quiera morir por un justo, aunque puede haber alguno que esté dispuesto a morir por una persona sumamente buena. Y la prueba de que Dios nos ama está en que Cristo murió por nosotros, cuando aún éramos pecadores.
Con mayor razón, ahora que ya hemos sido justificados por su sangre, seremos salvados por él del castigo final. Porque, si cuando éramos enemigos de Dios, fuimos reconciliados con El por la muerte de su Hijo, con mucha más razón, estando ya reconciliados, recibiremos la salvación participando de la vida de su Hijo. Y no sólo esto, sino que también nos gloriamos en Dios, por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, por quien hemos obtenido ahora la reconciliación.
Palabra de Dios.

E3. Romanos 6,3-9 (version imprimable)
Lectura de la carta del apóstol san Pablo a los Romanos
Hermanos y hermanas: Todos los que hemos sido incorporados a Cristo Jesús por medio del bautismo, hemos sido incorporados a su muerte. En efecto, por el bautismo fuimos sepultados con él en su muerte, para que, así como Cristo resucitó de entre los muertos por la gloria del Padre, así también nosotros llevemos una vida nueva.
Porque, si hemos estado íntimamente unidos a Él por una muerte semejante a la suya, también lo estaremos en su resurrección. Sabemos que nuestro viejo ya fue crucificado con Cristo, para que el cuerpo del pecado quedara destruido, a fin de que ya no sirvamos al pecado, pues el que ha muerto queda libre del pecado.
Por lo tanto, si hemos muerto con Cristo, estamos seguros de que también viviremos con Él; pues sabemos que Cristo, una vez resucitado de entre los muertos, ya nunca morirá. La muerte ya no tiene dominio sobre Él.
Palabra de Dios.

E4. Romanos 8,14-23 (version imprimable)
Lectura de la carta del apóstol San Pablo a los Romanos
Hermanos y Hermanas: los que se dejan guiar por el Espíritu de Dios, ésos son hijos de Dios. No han recibido ustedes un espíritu de esclavos, que los haga temer de nuevo, sino un espíritu de hijos, en virtud del cual podemos amar Padre a Dios.
El mismo Espíritu Santo, a una con nuestro propio espíritu, da testimonio de que somos hijos de Dios. Y si somos hijos, somos también herederos de Dios y coherederos con Cristo, puesto que sufrimos con Él para ser glorificados junto con Él.
Considero que los sufrimientos de esta vida no se pueden comparar con la gloria que un día se manifestará en nosotros; porque toda la creación espera, con seguridad e impaciencia, la revelación de esa gloria de los hijos de Dios.
La creación está ahora sometida al desorden, no por su querer, sino por voluntad de aquel que la sometió, pero dándole al mismo tiempo esta esperanza: que también ella misma va ser liberada de la esclavitud de la corrupción, para compartir la gloriosa libertad de los hijos de Dios.
Sabernos, en efecto, que la creación entera gime hasta el presente y sufre dolores de parto; y no sólo ella, sino también nosotros, los que poseemos las primicias del Espíritu, gemimos interiormente anhelando que se realice plenamente nuestra condición de hijos de Dios, la redención de nuestro cuerpo.
Palabra de Dios.