Proposition 2 (anglais)
These texts may be read in part of in their entirety. If desired, one or several rosaries may be interspersed throughout. One may also consult the chapter “Texts for Meditation”.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
With confidence, let us pray together to the Almighty God, who resurrected from the dead his only Son, Jesus Christ. May he grant us strength and courage during this ordeal. May he nourish our hope in eternal life.
Let us pray.
Lord our God and our Father, we are gathered here together around N. He (she) has reached the end his (her) path here on Earth and you now greet him (her) at the threshold of your House.
We wish to remember all that we have lived together: the joys and the pains, the works and leisure, the hours of friendship and moments of hardship.
For all that was accomplished far from You, we ask You to forgive us. For all that was accomplished with love, we give you our thanks, for you are the source of all love.
Help grow in our hearts the hope of Eternal Life. In this time of ardent prayer, help us live already in communion with N.
Amen.
A Reading from the Book of Job (19, 1.23-27a)
“Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”
Psalm 23
Response/ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
The Gospel according to John (11: 17, 21-27)
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Joint Prayer
Let us remember the words of Jesus to the sister of his friend Lazarus, who had died: “I am the Resurrection and the Life: the one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” Let us pray together:
Response/ God of tenderness, remember us.
Lord Jesus, you who wept for your friend Lazarus at the tomb, wipe our tears, we pray you.
You who brought the dead back to life, grant eternal life to our brother (sister), we pray.
You sanctified N. in the waters of baptism; give him (her) wholly the life of the children of God, we pray.
You knew Death for love of us, and triumphed over it that we should have Life; reassure our hearts in your peace, we pray.
Conclusion
Before parting, we wish to repeat, with a spirit of confidence, the prayer our Savior taught us: Our Father…
At the hour of our death, let us ask the intercession of the Virgin Mary, that her maternal love may sustain all our deceased and guide them to her Son, Jesus Christ: Hail Mary…
May the God of all mercy be our consolation; may he hold N. in his love and open to him (her) the doors of life: Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
If a priest is present, he may bless the people in attendance.