What is the overall meaning of the poem "Saint Judas" by James Wright?

"Saint Judas" is a Petrarchan sonnet, with variations to
form, meter and rhythm, that recasts the story of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer for
thirty pieces of silver of Jesus of Nazareth. Written in first person, Judas tells his
inner feelings and thoughts. Critical opinion is that, as is the case with Robert
Browning's "Porphyria's Lover," the character of the poem can only be perceived
sympathetically from within his own perceptions--from his inner
being.

The meaning is that Judas Iscariot regrets his
action of selling out Jesus for silver and of giving him a kiss of betrayal in the
Garden of Gethsemane. He has a rope in hand and is caught in the poem while on his way
to the field in which he intends to hang himself in inconsolable remorse. On the way, he
encounters a man who desperately needs help and Judas unflinchingly, unselfishly rushes
in to his aid. After rescuing the stranger, Judas drops his rope and ignores the
soldiers who are around as he rushes to comfort the beaten
man.

The poem ends with the overall meaning stamped in
images as Judas, who believes he is cast from heaven and has no hope to cling to,
holding the beaten man; he "held the man for nothing" close in his arms. The actions and
images convey the picture of Judas' humanity and selflessness and spiritual
generosity.