You didn’t listen – in the words of Barabas

In this passage, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III presents a poem written in 1948 in the voice of Barabbas, the man who was released while Christ was crucified in his place. The poem expresses a profound spiritual reflection on the mystery of redemption, as Barabbas marvels at the boundless love of Christ.
Barabbas speaks to Jesus, confessing that he is the sinner, the son of earth, while Christ is the pure and holy one — yet Christ was crucified, and he himself was set free. He stands in awe, asking: Why did the righteous die for the sinner? Why was the guilty granted freedom while the innocent became the sacrifice?
Through these verses, the poem reveals humanity’s awareness of its sin and weakness, realizing that salvation comes not through merit but through God’s grace alone. Barabbas represents all humanity, freed by the crucifixion of Christ in its place.
The poem meditates on the contrast between divine holiness and human sin, between light and darkness, and between the divine love that endures pain for mankind and the human heart that forgets and strays.
It concludes with a deep sense of reverence and shame before the cross, as Barabbas admits that he cannot comprehend this great mystery but feels a mercy so exalted that it surpasses understanding.
The overall message is a call to contemplate the redeeming love of Christ, to recognize the greatness of divine grace, and to approach God’s sacrificial love with humility and gratitude.