There is a slight but real shift in scriptural focus for the last few weeks of the liturgical year. For many weeks we have been hearing what it means to be a faithful disciple. Now we will focus on the reward that awaits those who persevere on the long journey of faith. This Sunday we hear that impartial justice will be done in the courts of our eternal judge.
 
First, Sirach teaches us that the "God of justice . . . hears the cry of the oppressed" and "the one who serves God willingly" (Sirach 35:12, 13, 16). Then we hear Paul echo what the psalmist proclaims, "When the just cry out, the Lord hears them . . . and those who are crushed in spirit he saves" (Psalm 34:18, 19). Finally, the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector who went to the temple to pray affirms that God will exalt all who cry out for mercy.
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