To Barabbas

I wonder, Barabbas, what happened to you
when crowds, outraged against Christ, let you go,
when you had escaped the death that was due
and Jesus replaced you in a torturous show?

They were yelling in frenzy at the pure one: "Crucify!"
and for you to be freed they chanted your name.
Jesus Christ had the power to leave you to die,
yet, he took on Himself a murderer's shame.

Barabbas, I know, you're in me - we are kin.
You’re hidden in every genetic code.
Who would dare bragging of having no sin?
Who of us doesn't carry this heavy load?

With our criminal hearts, with sin in our breath,
you're my brother, Barabbas! We deserve to die.
Yet, I'm freed like you by Jesus from death,
from my prison, my pain, from Satan's lie.

What happened to you - to your soul and your flesh,
when, drunk by your freedom, you walked from that place,
with the imprints of chains so blatantly fresh?
How did you receive this incredible grace? 

Have you cynically gloated mocking the One,
who was innocent, yet who in agony died?
Or by His sacrificial love you were stunned
and, accepting His gift, in repentance you cried?

29.02.04