Ecclesiasticus 48:1-14 / Matthew 6:7-15
A tribute to a person, whether living or not, is a testimonial or compliment and it is given in acknowledgement of gratitude or esteem. It is given to show respect or affection for that person.
And usually when a person has passed on that many tributes are given especially when it is a famous person.
Probably it would be best when a person's life on earth comes to a close that a tribute be given as there would be no further developments and also a proper assessment can be given.
In the 1st reading, what is given can be said to be a tribute to the great prophet Elijah. He represented the prophets by his appearance with Moses in the Transfiguration of Jesus.
But the tribute is not just about the marvels that he did while on earth. There is also an element of the future appearance of Elijah: "He will turn the hearts of fathers towards their children. Happy shall they be who see you, and those who have fallen asleep in love; for we too will have life."
As much as Elijah worked marvels and the tribute is about him, yet it is also certain that he was a man who is close to God and listens to the voice and God.
Needless to say that he was a man of God and a man of prayer.
That is also what Jesus is teaching us as He taught His disciples the prayer of the "Our Father".
We are a people of God and we must also be a people of prayer. The prayer of the "Our Father" is the blue print for our prayer. By our prayer may we point others to God and show them that God is our Father.