Use of the term ‘Requiem Mass’ has been abandoned. A Mass said on behalf of a deceased person is now properly called simply a Mass for the Dead.

What was once called ‘The Absolution,’ which was given either at the graveside or during the Funeral Mass following the Prayer After Communion, is now referred to as the Final Commendation and Farewell.

Before we can properly understand the significance of the Rite of Funerals, we must first have a clear idea of the meaning of the Paschal Mystery, for it is the Paschal Mystery that is at the heart of all that is said and done during the Funeral Rite.

The term ‘Paschal Mystery’ derives from the Old Testament practice of sacrificing lambs on an altar as expiation for human sins. The paschal lamb was the lamb killed and then eaten by ancient Jews during Passover. Old Testament prophets promised their people that a savior would one day come who would end the need for these sacrifices, for the savior

Himself would make the ultimate sacrifice for all of mankind.

Jesus was that final Paschal Lamb. He was the fulfillment of those Old Testament prophesies. His passion on the cross, His resurrection from the dead, and His ultimate ascension into Heaven make up what collectively comprise the Paschal Mystery. He is the ultimate sacrifice. He is the expiation for all sins. He was the worthy offering to the Father to reconcile all men to their God. Our propensity to sin creates a chasm between us and God. Through His Passion, Death and Resurrection, Jesus made us one with our Father. For this, He is our Savior and Redeemer. He snatches us out of death's jaws and restores us to life

The Paschal Mystery ables us to triumph over death and have eternal life as promised by God Himself. As St. Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians, ours would indeed be a pointless faith if the Paschal Mystery were not a reality. For it is the Paschal Mystery that is at the core of our faith -- a faith that tells us Christ has redeemed us, saved us from sin, and made us worthy of everlasting life.

That theme is at the center of a Christian Burial. The faithful gather to bid farewell to a brother or sister, saddened by the loss, but, at the same time, consoled and filled with hope at the magnificent promise of the Resurrection.