SCENE FOUR
AT RISE: Lights illuminate PETER’S emerging house. PETER slowly lifts his head, and begins sharpening and shining his sword. Many months have passed, and PETER prepares to leave again. ELISABETH comes out with a basket of things to mend. The atmosphere is pleasant.
AT RISE: Lights illuminate PETER’S emerging house. PETER slowly lifts his head, and begins sharpening and shining his sword. Many months have passed, and PETER prepares to leave again. ELISABETH comes out with a basket of things to mend. The atmosphere is pleasant.
ELISABETH
Mother is healed! Completely healed! She’ll be singing Jesus’ name for the rest of
her life.
SIMON PETER
Maybe someday he’ll use those vast powers in military action instead of wasting--
ELISABETH
Ha! What powers?
SIMON PETER
I told you! Pretty sure I told you! That time I drug so much fish into my boat that--
ELISABETH
Time, chance and circumstance. Hush! Where are you planning to go now?
SIMON PETER
Already trying to get rid of me? Gehenna fire! You made it miserable for me to go before! Now I can’t even relax and catch my breath without you shoving me out the door! Women!
ELISABETH
Do you remember … last night?
SIMON PETER
Huh? Oh! I sure do.
ELISABETH
Do you ever, ever want to do that again?
SIMON PETER
Elisabeth!
ELISABETH
Straighten up, fisher-man, and tell me where you’re going.
SIMON PETER
Alright! Geez. He’s sending us out on our own this time! And I hope I don’t get paired with Judas … or John.
ELISABETH
Judas? Why don’t you want to go with him?
SIMON PETER
Don’t know. Have a hard time liking the man. Don’t trust him. John’s just getting on my nerves. What's new.
ELISABETH
Really. So what will you be doing this time?
SIMON PETER
Going to the lost sheep! Whatever that means. Our main objective is the kingdom’s at hand though. That’s all that matters. Thought we’d never get serious about this! You know, since he’s been dragging his feet forever. But, it won’t be long now! Won’t be long now!
ELISABETH
Hmmm… what do you mean?
SIMON PETER
He wants us to go far and wide. To recruit! I think this’ll be one of our last big moves before we march into Jerusalem.
ELISABETH
Think so? But won’t--
SIMON PETER
He’s planned an immediate trip as soon as we return.
ELIZABTEH
But won’t that put you in Jerusalem around the Feast of Tabernacles?
SIMON PETER
Yes! And if you ask me, there couldn’t be a better time than then! The man’s brilliant.
ANDREW
I’m ready! You ready?
ELISABETH
Good morning, Andrew. Please. Go ahead and make yourself at home.
ANDREW
Morning, Lisbeth! Thanks.
ELISABETH
He’s not quite ready.
SIMON PETER
I’m ready! Where’s John?
ANDREW
Said he’d be in … in a minute. I, uh … I wanted to talk to you before he got here.
SIMON PETER
Don’t mind her.
ELISABETH
Humph!
ANDREW
I’ve been thinking! What do you think?
SIMON PETER
That it’s time you learn some manners! Barging up here like that all the time? With your face all flushed? Eyes shining like a demon? My wife’s getting kind of tired of it, you know.
ELISABETH
Peter!
SIMON PETER
You are!
ANDREW
Huh? What? No! Can he really forgive sins?!?
SIMON PETER
Oh! Well … I suppose he can … if he’s really who he says he is.
ANDREW
But since the Pharisees are so strict about “only God can forgive sins” and since he’s been saying what he’s been saying lately, don’t you think there might be more trouble again like we had in Nazareth?
SIMON PETER
Doubt it, Andrew.
ELISABETH
What trouble? You didn’t tell me about no trouble.
SIMON PETER
Hush! Don’t make me tell you to leave, woman! If I want you to know about it, I’ll tell you! It wasn’t that bad anyway.
ELISABETH
Humph!
ANDREW
What happened in the hills was bad but Nazareth was downright scary! He could’ve got himself killed!
SIMON PETER
Not while I’m around.
ANDREW
I suppose you’re right.
SIMON PETER
I know I’m right!
ANDREW
Our very own, self-appointed bodyguard.
SIMON PETER
Someone’s got to do it.
ANDREW
Think this is it? Do you really think this is it?
SIMON PETER
It’s about time, I say! About time!
JOHN
Elisabeth. Andrew, Peter. What is about time?
SIMON PETER
The revolution! What else.
JOHN
Ah. The revolution. Yes. We have talked much about it, Peter. These things have to be planned very carefully. You cannot just start a war whenever you feel like it.
SIMON PETER
Don’t even talk down to me, John.
JOHN
If you have a problem, it is with him not me. Jesus is on a timetable of his own. You know very well he has said over and over that--
ANDREW
“The time is not now.”
SIMON PETER
Yeah, yeah … but, you do believe he’s going to follow through with his plans to set up his kingdom, don’t you?
JOHN
Of course, don’t you?
SIMON PETER
Yes … no! I want to, but he’s always hesitant when the time’s ripe! I wish I could understand it then maybe I wouldn’t be so … so--
JOHN
You know what he says about patience.
SIMON PETER
Are you patient?
JOHN
I find myself growing impatient for something to happen just like everyone else, I suppose, but I have also seen enough signs by now that I’ve learned to wait on him to decide.
SIMON PETER
You and your signs! Normal people call it magic … or miracles. I call it powers. Whatever it is it seems such a waste!
ANDREW
We’ve seen and heard so much! Hard to keep it straight, you know?
SIMON PETER
I’m glad some of you are keeping notes. Someday we’re going to have to refer back to them.
JOHN
Refer back to them? Our private diaries?
SIMON PETER
Yeah! I sense that open fighting can break out at any moment. Hey, laugh all you want! In the aftermath of a revolution there’s going to be a day of reckoning.
ANDREW
Like maybe a new type of Pharisees or Sanhedrin or some other body of judges. You never know!
SIMON PETER
We’ll get those raping Roman pagans!
JOHN
Remember what he said about mercy.
SIMON PETER
I’ve just about had it with your pure and pious bull—!
JOHN
“Blessed are those who have the opportunity to show mercy; they are the ones who will be given mercy.”
SIMON PETER
Oh, yeah. You know, I’ve had to think about that one. But … gotta little problem with it.
JOHN
And why is that, Peter?
SIMON PETER
The way I see it is … is to go ahead and let all his talk of idealism and love and fluffy philosophy motivate the rest of you boys.
JOHN
Jesus does know how to cut right to the heart of the mat— hey!
SIMON PETER
Sure! But when fighting time comes this man’ll be more than ready! Jesus? Now I wonder about him.
JOHN
Careful.
SIMON PETER
Look at him, John! We’ve seen him force open huge doors with rusty hinges! Doors that you and I would have a hard time even budging! Well, I probably could … but--
ANDREW
And I’ve seen him lift big beams, heavy tables, large stones!
SIMON PETER
For all this obvious strength, he’s hardly a war hero … if you ask me! … and he’s a bit--
JOHN
Until his voice rises! I have seen men shrink! Shrink! Frightened by the sheer force of his person! You of all people! Of all people! Ought to know how his righteous authority radiates from his rebukes!
SIMON PETER
Uncalled for! My house of all places! Front of my wife! You really don’t want--
JOHN
Who’s fighting, Peter.
SIMON PETER
It’s just that … it’s just … I don’t get it! The contrasts are too … too unbelievable. It’s not natural! It plays with my mind, you know?
JOHN
We humans are never satisfied. Are we.
SIMON PETER
It’s not human!
JOHN
Exactly.
SIMON PETER
Bothers me, John!
JOHN
Why?
SIMON PETER
Sometimes he seems so vulnerable! Not soft, just vulnerable. If someone were to walk up to him and throw a good one to the side of his jaw--
ANDREW
He’d probably just stand there and turn the other cheek!
JOHN
Yes, he probably would, Andrew.
SIMON PETER
I almost choked when he came out with that one.
JOHN
Surprised you didn’t, Peter.
SIMON PETER
I’m going to choose to ignore that.
JOHN
Thanks.
SIMON PETER
Heeheehee … I’ll tell you what! The man who dares lift a pinky against Jesus will be prostrate on the ground with a prize the size … of a … a pomegranate … on his … his ear!
ANDREW
Seriously, John. What do you think about loving your enemies, turning cheeks and doing good to people who hate you?
SIMON PETER
Yeah! Come on, man! Do you really think it will work? In this day and age?
JOHN
I doubt he meant for it to work.
SIMON PETER
See! I knew it!
JOHN
If by “work” you mean it will make the other fellow quit hitting you.
SIMON PETER
But if the guy doesn’t back off! Are we supposed to just …? That’s a little too delicate for me. If you know what I mean.
JOHN
That’s what he said.
SIMON PETER
I know what he said! You damned—! I’m not arguing that!
JOHN
Then what are you doing? Peter?
SIMON PETER
Trying to understand! John! I don’t know everything like you!
JOHN
The way is going to be rocky, and only a few of us will fin-
SIMON PETER
Oh! So you think you’ve found it? Huh? Look John, we go way back. Stop putting on these …high and mighty airs! Listen. A lot of what he says goes against everything I am. And yet I … I … I just don’t know.
JOHN
Simon Peter. My friend. Some things never change. Do they? I have my airs, and you have your arrogance. I have always been amazed and amused at some of the things you come out with.
SIMON PETER
At least no one has to wonder what I think!
JOHN/ANDREW/ELISABETH
No, we sure don’t!
ELISABETH
My husband doesn’t sprinkle his words with salt.
ANDREW
He dumps the whole sack!
JOHN
Well said! Well said! Come on, Andrew. We ought to head out. I’d bet some guys are already gathering. Tell your mother I heard she’s doing a lot better, Elisabeth, and I am glad to hear it. Peter, take your time.
ELISABETH
Thank you, John.
SIMON PETER
Thanks. Like I need your permission. Scram! ...........Sorry. You shouldn’t have witnessed all that. I’m still working on some things … but … don’t tell anybody.
ELISABETH
Secret’s safe with me.
SIMON PETER
You don’t think less of me? I almost crumbled! Came real close.
ELISABETH
Goodness no! You’re my big hunk of a rock!
SIMON PETER
Yeah, I know. But I feel like I’m being chiseled on. I’ll be down to nothing if this keeps up!
ELISABETH
I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Besides, it was nice to hear you and the guys talk so openly in front of me. I didn’t get to hear any juicy stories this time.
SIMON PETER
Juicy story? Um… let’s see … one day, we were having lunch at this Pharisee’s fancy
house.
ELISABETH
Really? What did you have? Was it good?
SIMON PETER
What’s with you women always wondering if the cooking’s good or not?
ELISABETH
Our husbands might find someone who cooks better, and not come home.
SIMON PETER
It was delicious! Steaming plates of lamb and kid. Vegetables, cheeses. Bread that melted in my--
ELISABETH
Oh. Glad you enjoyed it.
SIMON PETER
But I came home! To you! Come here! Do you want to hear my story or not?
ELISABETH
I don’t know now.
SIMON PETER
Hush! While I was eating, I noticed several servants whispering to each other … and others were pointing, laughing, at a huddled figure kneeling in front of Jesus. At the table of all places!
ELISABETH
What?!?
SIMON PETER
It was a woman! Rubbing and kissing his feet! I remember thinking to myself, “Oh, no. Not here!”
ELISABETH
What do you ever mean?
SIMON PETER
I’m quite used to displays of powerful emotion and passionate acts of unrestrained … uh, worship towards him, but … you know …knowing the woman by reputation--
ELISABETH
And just how did you know of her reputation?!?
SIMON PETER
Gehenna fire, Beth! I’m trying to make a point here! A good point! Or my name isn’t--
ELISABETH
Peter, but how! How … but how did you …
SIMON PETER
Hmm. Well. Oh … never mind.
ELISABETH
Has this one been jotted down for the whole world to see someday?
SIMON PETER
Don’t know. Hope so. It’s a juicy story with a twist at the end. It’d make people think.
ELISABETH
I believe you’ve given me more than enough to think about while you’re gone!
SIMON PETER
Like what?
ELISABETH
Like can he really forgive sins?
SIMON PETER
Oh. I suppose he can … if he’s … if he’s really … who he says he is.
Mother is healed! Completely healed! She’ll be singing Jesus’ name for the rest of
her life.
SIMON PETER
Maybe someday he’ll use those vast powers in military action instead of wasting--
ELISABETH
Ha! What powers?
SIMON PETER
I told you! Pretty sure I told you! That time I drug so much fish into my boat that--
ELISABETH
Time, chance and circumstance. Hush! Where are you planning to go now?
SIMON PETER
Already trying to get rid of me? Gehenna fire! You made it miserable for me to go before! Now I can’t even relax and catch my breath without you shoving me out the door! Women!
ELISABETH
Do you remember … last night?
SIMON PETER
Huh? Oh! I sure do.
ELISABETH
Do you ever, ever want to do that again?
SIMON PETER
Elisabeth!
ELISABETH
Straighten up, fisher-man, and tell me where you’re going.
SIMON PETER
Alright! Geez. He’s sending us out on our own this time! And I hope I don’t get paired with Judas … or John.
ELISABETH
Judas? Why don’t you want to go with him?
SIMON PETER
Don’t know. Have a hard time liking the man. Don’t trust him. John’s just getting on my nerves. What's new.
ELISABETH
Really. So what will you be doing this time?
SIMON PETER
Going to the lost sheep! Whatever that means. Our main objective is the kingdom’s at hand though. That’s all that matters. Thought we’d never get serious about this! You know, since he’s been dragging his feet forever. But, it won’t be long now! Won’t be long now!
ELISABETH
Hmmm… what do you mean?
SIMON PETER
He wants us to go far and wide. To recruit! I think this’ll be one of our last big moves before we march into Jerusalem.
ELISABETH
Think so? But won’t--
SIMON PETER
He’s planned an immediate trip as soon as we return.
ELIZABTEH
But won’t that put you in Jerusalem around the Feast of Tabernacles?
SIMON PETER
Yes! And if you ask me, there couldn’t be a better time than then! The man’s brilliant.
ANDREW
I’m ready! You ready?
ELISABETH
Good morning, Andrew. Please. Go ahead and make yourself at home.
ANDREW
Morning, Lisbeth! Thanks.
ELISABETH
He’s not quite ready.
SIMON PETER
I’m ready! Where’s John?
ANDREW
Said he’d be in … in a minute. I, uh … I wanted to talk to you before he got here.
SIMON PETER
Don’t mind her.
ELISABETH
Humph!
ANDREW
I’ve been thinking! What do you think?
SIMON PETER
That it’s time you learn some manners! Barging up here like that all the time? With your face all flushed? Eyes shining like a demon? My wife’s getting kind of tired of it, you know.
ELISABETH
Peter!
SIMON PETER
You are!
ANDREW
Huh? What? No! Can he really forgive sins?!?
SIMON PETER
Oh! Well … I suppose he can … if he’s really who he says he is.
ANDREW
But since the Pharisees are so strict about “only God can forgive sins” and since he’s been saying what he’s been saying lately, don’t you think there might be more trouble again like we had in Nazareth?
SIMON PETER
Doubt it, Andrew.
ELISABETH
What trouble? You didn’t tell me about no trouble.
SIMON PETER
Hush! Don’t make me tell you to leave, woman! If I want you to know about it, I’ll tell you! It wasn’t that bad anyway.
ELISABETH
Humph!
ANDREW
What happened in the hills was bad but Nazareth was downright scary! He could’ve got himself killed!
SIMON PETER
Not while I’m around.
ANDREW
I suppose you’re right.
SIMON PETER
I know I’m right!
ANDREW
Our very own, self-appointed bodyguard.
SIMON PETER
Someone’s got to do it.
ANDREW
Think this is it? Do you really think this is it?
SIMON PETER
It’s about time, I say! About time!
JOHN
Elisabeth. Andrew, Peter. What is about time?
SIMON PETER
The revolution! What else.
JOHN
Ah. The revolution. Yes. We have talked much about it, Peter. These things have to be planned very carefully. You cannot just start a war whenever you feel like it.
SIMON PETER
Don’t even talk down to me, John.
JOHN
If you have a problem, it is with him not me. Jesus is on a timetable of his own. You know very well he has said over and over that--
ANDREW
“The time is not now.”
SIMON PETER
Yeah, yeah … but, you do believe he’s going to follow through with his plans to set up his kingdom, don’t you?
JOHN
Of course, don’t you?
SIMON PETER
Yes … no! I want to, but he’s always hesitant when the time’s ripe! I wish I could understand it then maybe I wouldn’t be so … so--
JOHN
You know what he says about patience.
SIMON PETER
Are you patient?
JOHN
I find myself growing impatient for something to happen just like everyone else, I suppose, but I have also seen enough signs by now that I’ve learned to wait on him to decide.
SIMON PETER
You and your signs! Normal people call it magic … or miracles. I call it powers. Whatever it is it seems such a waste!
ANDREW
We’ve seen and heard so much! Hard to keep it straight, you know?
SIMON PETER
I’m glad some of you are keeping notes. Someday we’re going to have to refer back to them.
JOHN
Refer back to them? Our private diaries?
SIMON PETER
Yeah! I sense that open fighting can break out at any moment. Hey, laugh all you want! In the aftermath of a revolution there’s going to be a day of reckoning.
ANDREW
Like maybe a new type of Pharisees or Sanhedrin or some other body of judges. You never know!
SIMON PETER
We’ll get those raping Roman pagans!
JOHN
Remember what he said about mercy.
SIMON PETER
I’ve just about had it with your pure and pious bull—!
JOHN
“Blessed are those who have the opportunity to show mercy; they are the ones who will be given mercy.”
SIMON PETER
Oh, yeah. You know, I’ve had to think about that one. But … gotta little problem with it.
JOHN
And why is that, Peter?
SIMON PETER
The way I see it is … is to go ahead and let all his talk of idealism and love and fluffy philosophy motivate the rest of you boys.
JOHN
Jesus does know how to cut right to the heart of the mat— hey!
SIMON PETER
Sure! But when fighting time comes this man’ll be more than ready! Jesus? Now I wonder about him.
JOHN
Careful.
SIMON PETER
Look at him, John! We’ve seen him force open huge doors with rusty hinges! Doors that you and I would have a hard time even budging! Well, I probably could … but--
ANDREW
And I’ve seen him lift big beams, heavy tables, large stones!
SIMON PETER
For all this obvious strength, he’s hardly a war hero … if you ask me! … and he’s a bit--
JOHN
Until his voice rises! I have seen men shrink! Shrink! Frightened by the sheer force of his person! You of all people! Of all people! Ought to know how his righteous authority radiates from his rebukes!
SIMON PETER
Uncalled for! My house of all places! Front of my wife! You really don’t want--
JOHN
Who’s fighting, Peter.
SIMON PETER
It’s just that … it’s just … I don’t get it! The contrasts are too … too unbelievable. It’s not natural! It plays with my mind, you know?
JOHN
We humans are never satisfied. Are we.
SIMON PETER
It’s not human!
JOHN
Exactly.
SIMON PETER
Bothers me, John!
JOHN
Why?
SIMON PETER
Sometimes he seems so vulnerable! Not soft, just vulnerable. If someone were to walk up to him and throw a good one to the side of his jaw--
ANDREW
He’d probably just stand there and turn the other cheek!
JOHN
Yes, he probably would, Andrew.
SIMON PETER
I almost choked when he came out with that one.
JOHN
Surprised you didn’t, Peter.
SIMON PETER
I’m going to choose to ignore that.
JOHN
Thanks.
SIMON PETER
Heeheehee … I’ll tell you what! The man who dares lift a pinky against Jesus will be prostrate on the ground with a prize the size … of a … a pomegranate … on his … his ear!
ANDREW
Seriously, John. What do you think about loving your enemies, turning cheeks and doing good to people who hate you?
SIMON PETER
Yeah! Come on, man! Do you really think it will work? In this day and age?
JOHN
I doubt he meant for it to work.
SIMON PETER
See! I knew it!
JOHN
If by “work” you mean it will make the other fellow quit hitting you.
SIMON PETER
But if the guy doesn’t back off! Are we supposed to just …? That’s a little too delicate for me. If you know what I mean.
JOHN
That’s what he said.
SIMON PETER
I know what he said! You damned—! I’m not arguing that!
JOHN
Then what are you doing? Peter?
SIMON PETER
Trying to understand! John! I don’t know everything like you!
JOHN
The way is going to be rocky, and only a few of us will fin-
SIMON PETER
Oh! So you think you’ve found it? Huh? Look John, we go way back. Stop putting on these …high and mighty airs! Listen. A lot of what he says goes against everything I am. And yet I … I … I just don’t know.
JOHN
Simon Peter. My friend. Some things never change. Do they? I have my airs, and you have your arrogance. I have always been amazed and amused at some of the things you come out with.
SIMON PETER
At least no one has to wonder what I think!
JOHN/ANDREW/ELISABETH
No, we sure don’t!
ELISABETH
My husband doesn’t sprinkle his words with salt.
ANDREW
He dumps the whole sack!
JOHN
Well said! Well said! Come on, Andrew. We ought to head out. I’d bet some guys are already gathering. Tell your mother I heard she’s doing a lot better, Elisabeth, and I am glad to hear it. Peter, take your time.
ELISABETH
Thank you, John.
SIMON PETER
Thanks. Like I need your permission. Scram! ...........Sorry. You shouldn’t have witnessed all that. I’m still working on some things … but … don’t tell anybody.
ELISABETH
Secret’s safe with me.
SIMON PETER
You don’t think less of me? I almost crumbled! Came real close.
ELISABETH
Goodness no! You’re my big hunk of a rock!
SIMON PETER
Yeah, I know. But I feel like I’m being chiseled on. I’ll be down to nothing if this keeps up!
ELISABETH
I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Besides, it was nice to hear you and the guys talk so openly in front of me. I didn’t get to hear any juicy stories this time.
SIMON PETER
Juicy story? Um… let’s see … one day, we were having lunch at this Pharisee’s fancy
house.
ELISABETH
Really? What did you have? Was it good?
SIMON PETER
What’s with you women always wondering if the cooking’s good or not?
ELISABETH
Our husbands might find someone who cooks better, and not come home.
SIMON PETER
It was delicious! Steaming plates of lamb and kid. Vegetables, cheeses. Bread that melted in my--
ELISABETH
Oh. Glad you enjoyed it.
SIMON PETER
But I came home! To you! Come here! Do you want to hear my story or not?
ELISABETH
I don’t know now.
SIMON PETER
Hush! While I was eating, I noticed several servants whispering to each other … and others were pointing, laughing, at a huddled figure kneeling in front of Jesus. At the table of all places!
ELISABETH
What?!?
SIMON PETER
It was a woman! Rubbing and kissing his feet! I remember thinking to myself, “Oh, no. Not here!”
ELISABETH
What do you ever mean?
SIMON PETER
I’m quite used to displays of powerful emotion and passionate acts of unrestrained … uh, worship towards him, but … you know …knowing the woman by reputation--
ELISABETH
And just how did you know of her reputation?!?
SIMON PETER
Gehenna fire, Beth! I’m trying to make a point here! A good point! Or my name isn’t--
ELISABETH
Peter, but how! How … but how did you …
SIMON PETER
Hmm. Well. Oh … never mind.
ELISABETH
Has this one been jotted down for the whole world to see someday?
SIMON PETER
Don’t know. Hope so. It’s a juicy story with a twist at the end. It’d make people think.
ELISABETH
I believe you’ve given me more than enough to think about while you’re gone!
SIMON PETER
Like what?
ELISABETH
Like can he really forgive sins?
SIMON PETER
Oh. I suppose he can … if he’s … if he’s really … who he says he is.
Lights fade.
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