Margaret Coats’ poem, “The Wound in Christ’s Side,” offers a powerful meditation on the theological significance of Christ’s pierced side, drawing upon biblical imagery and traditional interpretations. The poem, steeped in religious symbolism, connects the physical wound with spiritual rebirth and the establishment of the Church. Coats masterfully weaves together historical and spiritual threads, inviting readers to contemplate the profound implications of this pivotal moment in Christian history.
Contents
Exploring the Poem’s Structure and Symbolism
The poem’s six sestets (six-line stanzas) create a sense of formality and reverence, befitting its sacred subject matter. Coats employs a consistent rhyme scheme (ABABCC), lending a sense of unity and completion to each stanza while also driving the narrative forward. The controlled structure mirrors the poet’s careful and reverent approach to the subject.
Coats uses vivid imagery to depict Christ’s suffering. Phrases like “countless injuries,” “spear-thrust,” and “gaping puncture” paint a visceral picture of the physical trauma endured. However, the poem quickly transcends the purely physical, focusing on the spiritual significance of the wound. The wound becomes a “mystic fountainhead,” releasing “precious blood” and “living water,” symbols of redemption and purification.
The Wound as a Source of Sacramental Grace
Central to Coats’ interpretation is the connection between the wound and the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. The “water and blood” flowing from Christ’s side are interpreted as representing these sacraments, essential for the life of the Church. This imagery draws on the writings of Saint Ambrose, who viewed the Church as being born from Christ’s side. This interpretation underscores the poem’s theme of spiritual rebirth through Christ’s sacrifice.
The poem also explores the paradoxical nature of the wound. While it signifies death, it is also the source of life, a “chasm fathomless” providing “sacramental consummation.” This paradox reflects the Christian belief in resurrection and the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice. The wound becomes a “shelter for embattled holiness,” offering protection and solace to those striving for spiritual purity.
Love and Sacrifice: The Core Message
The driving force behind Christ’s Passion, according to Coats, is love. This love motivated his “humiliations,” ultimately leading to the “gash in deathless majesty.” The poet expresses personal devotion and a willingness to abandon “degenerate liberty” in response to this sacrifice. This personal reflection adds a layer of emotional depth to the poem, highlighting the transformative impact of Christ’s love on the individual believer.
The concluding stanza affirms the sovereignty of Christ and the perfection of the Church, achieved through the wound. The “pierced passageway profound” is the source of all virtues and merit, purifying “flesh and thoughts and art.” The poem culminates in a powerful affirmation of Christ’s kingship, echoing his words, “I grant to you my Kingdom.”
A Timeless Reflection on Faith
“The Wound in Christ’s Side” offers a profound meditation on a central theme in Christian theology. Through skillful use of imagery, symbolism, and historical context, Coats invites readers to engage with the enduring power of Christ’s sacrifice and its implications for the individual and the Church. The poem’s elegant structure and evocative language combine to create a work that resonates with both intellectual and emotional depth.