De Coração
Walmir Alencar
The Divine Mystery of Love: Analyzing 'De Coração' by Walmir Alencar
Walmir Alencar's song 'De Coração' delves into the profound and mystical aspects of Christian faith, particularly focusing on the Eucharist. The lyrics juxtapose the divine nature of Jesus Christ with the tangible elements of bread and wine, symbolizing His presence. The song opens with a paradoxical description of Jesus as both distant and near, hidden yet clear, emphasizing the enigmatic nature of divine love and presence. This duality reflects the Christian belief in Jesus as both fully divine and fully human, a central tenet of the faith.
The recurring theme of 'Presença doce, incomparável' (sweet, incomparable presence) highlights the intimate and personal relationship believers can have with Jesus. The 'grande mistério' (great mystery) refers to the sacrament of the Eucharist, where bread and wine are believed to become the body and blood of Christ. This transformation is described as 'humildemente vinho e pão' (humbly wine and bread), underscoring the humility and simplicity through which divine grace is bestowed upon the faithful.
The chorus, proclaiming 'É Jesus Cristo! Ele é o Pão da Vida!' (It is Jesus Christ! He is the Bread of Life!), reinforces the central message of the song. It calls for a heartfelt reception of Jesus' love, suggesting that true understanding and experience of His love come from receiving Him 'de coração' (with the heart). This emphasizes the importance of faith and personal devotion in the Christian experience, inviting listeners to embrace the divine mystery with open hearts and minds.