Mass of Christian Burial for Michael
Church of St. Joan of Arc
Marlton, New Jersey
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Msgr. Richard LaVerghetta, Presider
First Reading
The Book of Wisdom
Ch.4: v. 7-14
But the righteous one, 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 passes for gray hair and an unsullied life is the attainment of old age.
The one who pleased God was loved - living among sinners, was transported -
…Having become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career; for his soul was pleasing to the LORD.
Second Reading
The Book of Revelation
Ch. 21: v. 1-5, 6-7
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. 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. God 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."
MUSIC
ENTRANCE SONG: How Great Thou Art
COMMUNION SONG: We Remember
MEDITATION: Ave Maria
RECESSIONAL: The Holy City
Responsorial
"You are Mine"
by David Haas
I will come to you in the silence; I will lift you from all your fear.
You will hear my voice, I claim you as my choice.
Be still, and know I am near.
I am hope for all who are hopeless, I am eyes for all who long to see.
In the shadows of the night, I will be your light
Come and rest in Me.
Do not be afraid, I am with you. I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me, I will bring you home
I love you and you are Mine.
The Gospel of Luke
The Road to Emmaus
Ch. 24: v. 13-35
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about all the things that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were prevented from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What sort of things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who announced that he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him,and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.