<P> In Eastern Orthodox and Greek - Catholic Churches of Slavic tradition, the Gospel account of Zacchaeus is read on the last Sunday preceding the liturgical preparation for Great Lent, for which reason that Sunday is known as "Zacchaeus Sunday ." It is the very first commemoration of a new Paschal cycle . The account was chosen to open the Lenten season because of two exegetical aspects: Jesus' call to Zacchaeus to come down from the tree (symbolizing the divine call to humility), and Zacchaeus' subsequent repentance . </P> <P> In the Eastern churches of Greek / Byzantine tradition, Zacchaeus Sunday may fall earlier than the Sunday before the Pre-Lenten season . </P> <P> In Western Christianity, the gospel pericope concerning Zacchaeus is the reading for a Dedication of a Church or its anniversary . In Southern Bavaria, a red banner with white cross may be flown outside a Church on its anniversary, which is consequently called the Zacchaeus flag . </P> <P> The story of Zacchaeus is used by some to illustrate the saying of Jesus: "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God" Matthew 5: 8, because the name Zacchaeus means' pure' . Zacchaeus also becomes a contrast of character with the Rich Young Ruler Luke 18: 18 - 23 . Both Zacchaeus and the Rich Young Ruler were wealthy men, but one was self - righteous and would not give up his possessions, while the other gave half his possessions to feed the poor . </P>

Who sat under the fig tree in the bible