I wish we’d back down from the “hymn sandwich” funerals and just *do* the Mass, not try to gussy it up with hymns as though the liturgy as it already exists were insufficient.

Families end up choosing funeral music the same way they pick wedding reception music: as a “favorites” list. The liturgy’s “native” orientation toward intercessory prayer on the deceased’s behalf is thus weakened.

(And then there’s that misbegotten-but-widely-chosen option of the Wisdom reading, which is properly a text for All Saints’ Day, not for funerals.)

If we want singing at funerals, it should follow the same principles as the general case: first do responses, then an Ordinary, *then* Proper chants.

(And then there’s that misbegotten-but-widely-chosen option of the Wisdom reading, which is properly a text for All Saints’ Day, not for funerals.)

The First Reading for All Saints Day (Revelations 7:2-4, 9-14) is the description of the 144,000 from every tribe of Israel whose robes have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. The reading referenced above (Wisdom 3:1-9) is the First Reading from the First Mass of All Souls Day. Probably overused as stated, but still appropriate for use at a Mass of Christian Burial. Does it not describe the state of a soul who has been justified but not yet purified (the least we all hope to be when our time comes)?