Poem – You Did Not Listen – In the Voice of Barabbas
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III presents in this profound poem a moving reflection spoken in the voice of Barabbas, the man who was released while Christ was crucified in his place. Through this inner dialogue, the Pope reveals the depth of divine love and God’s justice united with mercy, unfolding the mystery of redemption and the greatness of the Cross.
Spiritual and Educational Dimensions:
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Astonishment at Redemption: Barabbas stands in awe before Christ’s love — the innocent One who accepted the cross in his stead, while he, the guilty one, walks free.
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Confession of Sin: Barabbas acknowledges his sins and corruption, realizing he deserved death, yet beholds the holy Christ crucified in his place, and bows in shame and repentance.
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Contrast Between Purity and Sin: The poem draws a powerful contrast between the sinless Christ and the lost, sinful human being, revealing the vast difference between divine holiness and human weakness.
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Question Before the Mystery of Mercy: The repeated cry “Why are You crucified while I, the sinner, am free?” becomes the voice of a heart unable to comprehend the mystery of divine love that surpasses all understanding.
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Unfathomable Compassion: Barabbas admits that God’s wisdom is beyond human reach, and that Christ’s tenderness and mercy exceed all human reason.
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The Loving Savior: The text portrays Christ as the One who lived doing good — healing the blind, raising the dead, and filling the world with peace and love — yet was crucified unjustly to save sinners.
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Spiritual Outcome: The poem becomes a call to deep repentance and reflection on the Cross, not as a symbol of pain, but as the supreme expression of divine love that redeemed humankind through unearned grace.
General Message:
The poem expresses humanity’s amazement before the redeeming love of God and invites every believer to contemplate the Cross with gratitude and humility, realizing that our freedom was bought through the love and sacrifice of the righteous Christ.
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