The Free Man

Christ is the Free Man. Look at him, my soul, at his nakedness, his blood, his sweat. The Eternal Prisoner! The soldiers beat him, cursing and laughing drunkenly. They feel that they represent a higher civilization than his, a richer culture and an infinitely better race. In each blow there is contempt and greed. Are not the Roman soldiers masters of the world?

Even in his anguish and shame Christ takes pity on the soldiers in their captivity.

He is the Free Man. Gaze on him, my soul. Does he have wealth, worldly power, an influential position in the organization of the country? No. He has nothing but a body now and the soldiers treat that body as they please. Flesh, blood, skin, bones, hair – he has only these things now, and the kingdom of Hell wants to take these things from him.

Look at him, my soul. He is a Free Man; the only free man in Jerusalem.

Pilate’s empire is a prison; Caiaphas’ religion is a prison; Judas’ dream is a prison; Peter’s confusion is a prison; Herod’s ambition is a prison; having been freed from his cell Barabbas’ rebellious movement is a prison. Christ alone is free.

My soul stand with him. There, by his side, under the lash of the soldiers, freedom is to be found.

—Pennar Davies,
Cudd Fy Meiau, Gwasg Ty John Penry, 1957
(trans. Cynthia and Saunders Davies)