Ephrem Syrus on the Significance of Zacchaeus

Glory to the Hidden One Who put on visibility so that sinners could approach Him. Our Lord did not keep the sinful one away, as the Pharisee thought. The sole reason He descended from the heights, which no one could reach, was so that short publicans like Zaccheus could reach Him. He Who cannot be contained clothed Himself in a natural body so that all lips might kiss His feet as the sinful woman. The blessed Ember hid Himself in a garment of flesh that touched all unclean lips and made them holy. [Homily of Our Lord 48]