Brooke Brookreson-Williams.
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Preparing For The Passover

3/27/2015

13 Comments

 
Millions of Jews all over the world are preparing to observe the Holy Day, Passover, this coming Friday, April 3rd ... which is, ironically, also the so-called holiday "Good Friday" that millions of Christians will celebrate (but that subject will have to be addressed in another blog.)

Meanwhile, a very small scattering of people will be preparing to do what the real Jesus did ... why? Because He asked us to.

In fact, it is the only "thing" He asked us to do for Him.

He didn't ask us to celebrate His birthday ... and He dang-sure didn't ask us to celebrate the Mass of Christ with the Roman Catholics.

He didn't ask us to celebrate His resurrection ... and He dang-sure didn't ask us to pay pagan homage/respects to the goddess of fertility, Ishtar, either.

He simply asked us to honor, and remember, His death.

"Do THIS in remembrance of me."

That's all ... that's it.

So, anyway, I have been asked by a few people about how to "keep" Passover ... how to observe it, how to prepare for it.

I honestly try to keep it just as Jesus did, and just how He asked us to ... we do not observe the Jewish Passover; we observe it the night BEFORE just like He did.

This is Christ's Passover; not the Jewish Passover ... this is the New Covenant; not the Old.

As far as physical preparations for the actual service, it is really quite simple ... we have a table with a platter of unleavened bread and a bottle of wine with small glasses.

We read all of the scriptures that pertain to this night ... in Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 13, and I Corinthians 11:24-29.

We also wash one another's feet ... just as He commanded us to do ... John 13:1-17 ... and the last thing He said on this very humbling subject of feet-washing was "If you know to do these things, happy are you if you do them."

And, then, we simply sing a hymn and leave ... just as they did ... Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26 ... "And when they had sung a hymn, they went out ....."

We do not fix an elaborate meal on this night ... it is not a festive occasion ... it is more of a reflective, respectful, solemn memorial service.

And, that is where the Spiritual preparations come in ... yes, it is important to Spiritually prepare for this occasion.

The observance should move us forward in the faith, and in the mind, of Jesus Christ ... we should strive to make it a very personal and private occasion.

This is a personal occasion because, not only did Christ die for the sins of all mankind, but He died for YOU ... He personally died for YOU. 

This is a private occasion because, if you consider and reflect upon what it took for Jesus Christ to suffer and die for YOUR sins ... well, like I said, that is a very private matter.

Something else that makes it personal, and private, as you Spiritually prepare for this special night is taking the time for retrospection and self-examination of your Life ... realizing that we are made worthy through the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ ... we should look back and reflect on the turns our new life has taken since we made our decision to follow, and OBEY, Him.

And, then ask ourselves, am I still going in the right direction?

I think it is also important to evaluate your relationships and make amends ... make amends with ourselves, and forgive ourselves ... and also make amends with people who have hurt us, and forgive them ... before we take part in this special ceremony.

Why? "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." 

The Passover is an annual opportunity to "wipe the slate completely clean" again ... start all over ... and so evaluating yourself, and your relationships is a Good, Spiritual preparation ... and a Good, Spiritual time to deal with issues, find closure where needed, and start over with a clean slate and a new understanding.

Observing Christ's Passover deals with the Attitude of Mind ... I think it is important to go into this solemn ceremony with the right Spirit and attitude ... so we are not guilty of the body and blood of the Lord (I Cor 11:27.)

We need to prepare ourselves Spiritually so as to not partake of the service unworthily ... not that anyone is actually "WORTHY" ... but what I mean is, we must recognize we are bad enough to need it, instead of good enough to deserve it ... and the word "unworthily" in this context means to partake of this service arrogantly, disrespectfully and irreverently.

Can you really take Passover worthily? Yes ... examine yourself, and think about what you truly are, and where you truly are in your Life, and repent.

What does repent mean? It means CHANGE.
13 Comments

The Struggle is Real

3/21/2015

21 Comments

 
I am a ... Believer.

I have minored in Religion, and I once had hopes of pursuing a Master in Theology ... having tested to begin courses towards that direction before I even completed my under-grad degree ... all of that is still simmering dry on the back burner. 

I am a ... Christian.

I have worked in the ministry, and I feel a strong need to serve others although I honestly have no idea how I can really be of any kind of worthwhile "service" since I feel so inadequate.  I mean, who am I ... really ... and how could He use me, of all people, and why would He want to?

I am a .... Nothing.

The past few months have been emotionally taxing for me, and this heavy taxation has triggered a fierce relapse of PTSD complete with its full-blown depression and random panic attacks ... notice, please, I said "triggered a relapse" which means these issues are nothing new and are also, unfortunately, recurring.

I am not clueless, and I am not in denial ... I am aware of the physical, and Spiritual, causes/sources of my pain.

But being "aware" doesn't make it any easier to deal with, though, and neither does over 25 years experience of dealing.

As the sun was setting, I decided tonight would be Good night to delve into my Bible for a personal study on depression ... I have leaned so heavily upon my Best Friend these past few weeks, I thought I'd give him a much-needed rest and turn to our Creator. It was the perfect time to reach out to Him; being the Sabbath.

I stumbled upon something appalling and disturbing as I was skimming through a few Christian articles about depression, and I couldn't believe my eyes ... I read it and re-read it again several times ... I took a screen-shot of it, and read it again.
Picture
I immediately began to HURT for all the many others, like me, who were searching for help and stumbled across this statement.

How damaging! How dangerous! How false! How irresponsible! How wrong!

My own hurt/pain was forgotten, irrelevant, at this point .... and had turned into OUTRAGE.

What complete, and utter, shit from a horse.

God never used anybody who was depressed or discouraged? Really?

Let's see ...

MOSES - "I am not able to bear this any longer ... it is too heavy for me ... it would be better if I were dead ... if I have found any favor in your sight, at all, take me, I pray thee."

I don't know about you, but, that sounds like a depressed and discouraged person to me ... and we ALL should know how God used Moses.

ABRAHAM - "And a deep sleep fell upon him; lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him."

Anyone who has truly experienced depression can instantly recognize what this passage described ... the only time the pain is dulled is while sleeping ... and you sleep so much that you fall deeper and deeper into the dark pit ... but, sorry, God was never able to use Abraham.

ELIJAH - "I've had enough; please take my Life for I am not Good enough."

Goodness Gracious, I guess God couldn't use the PROPHET Elijah either ... despite his obvious exhaustion and insecurity.

JEREMIAH - "Cursed be the day wherein I was born!"

Dang, another prophet, despite all he did to honor God's calling .... sorry, Jeremiah was not used.

JONAH - "It's better if I were dead ... take, I beseech thee, my Life from me ... for it is better for me to die than to live."

Despite his crappy attitude, and poor decisions, God still used Jonah ..... oh, wait, nevermind, sorry ... according to that article up there, God didn't use him either.

Something's fishy here.

And how about  the Apostle Paul??? Paul was "pressed beyond measure; pressed beyond strength; thought it might be better to die!!!" Did God not use him?? 

Or what about my personal favorite, the Man After God's Own Heart, King David??????

KING DAVID - "I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly ... I go mourning all the day long, I groan because of the turmoil in my heart ... have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak ... please heal me ... I am weary with my groaning ... how long will you forget me, O Lord? Forever? How long will you hide your face from me? Consider me, and hear me, lest I sleep the sleep of death ... the sorrows of death encompass me ... My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me??? Why are you so far from helping me? And why are you deaf to the words of my roaring??? Turn back unto me and have mercy upon me for I am desolate and afflicted ... O bring me out of my distresses ... Hear O Lord when I cry ... please answer me ... Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble ... my eyes are consumed with grief ... My Life is spent ... My strength is failing ... my bones are consumed ... But I trust in you, O Lord ... You are My God."

All of these men were Believers ... all of these men had a specific job to do that God assigned to them ... that God GAVE them ... and every one of these men had trouble with their calling, and struggled to do God's will ... each and every one of these men got depressed, and discouraged, over different circumstances and situations ... they were ALL in a state of acute stress, and found it very difficult to carry out the demands of their tasks ... and each one of these men were still very, very much used by God in spite of their flaws, illnesses, and weaknesses.

The most damaging, the most dangerous, the most irresponsible, and the most false/wrong self-righteous advice, attitude and judgment of them ALL is when you go to a trusted confidant, or elder, or friend, or leader, or pastor, or whatever/whoever ... and you feel this, or hear this, from them:

"A real Christian has faith ... a real Christian never gets that heavy or sorrowful ... A real Christian would never let depression get that much of a hold of them ... a real Christian doesn't doubt their worth ... a real Christian never questions God ... a real Christian wouldn't have that kind of trouble/struggle ... a real Christian would never want to die ... a real Christian knows all things work for Good, and knows he's going to make it, and is always up for the task."

Really?  A REAL Christian, huh? You ignorant, pitiful ass.

The most "REAL CHRISTIAN" I know is Jesus Christ HIMSELF.

He had faith ... an unlimited supply of faith. Jesus Christ knew all things worked for Good. He knew he was going to make it. Jesus Christ was up for the task; he took the job.  Yet He anguished over what was ahead of him. HE WAS DISCOURAGED. Jesus Christ also questioned God, if surely, please, is there not another way we can do this? He begged for God to remove that cup from him. Jesus Christ was extremely heavy, and intensely sorrowful ... depression had a big hold of him ... so much so that his sweat and tears were falling like drops of blood ... HE WAS DISTRAUGHT EVEN UNTO DEATH ... so distraught that he wasn't just willing to die, but he wanted to die, but surely there's another way we can do this?!?!?!? Jesus Christ experienced a maxed-out emotional stress overload breakdown prior to his physical torture, and was in literal AGONY!!!

He KNOWS what it feels like, and He knows what it IS, and He understands.

And, for what it is worth .... if anything ... I do too.

I'm going to tell you, flat out, if you struggle with depression ... you have never been alone, in the past, and you are not alone right now, in the present, and you will never be alone in the future.

The Struggle is Real ... for REAL Believers ... for REAL Christians ... yes, the Struggle is Real.

21 Comments

Chiseling the Rock: Peter's Play #4

2/1/2014

 
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.
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.
Lights fade.

Chiseling the Rock: Peter's Play #3

1/28/2014

 
SCENE THREE

AT RISE:  Lights gradually brighten to signify the next morning.  SIMON PETER snores wildly.  Enter MARY, who gently pushes on PETER.

MARY
Simon.  Wake up.  Peter.  

SIMON PETER
Huh?   (Incoherent  mumble.)  We’re not  going  nowhere.   (Snore.) It’s  not  …  time! (Snore.)  Everything’s alright.  

MARY
(A little louder; a little harder.)
Simon Peter.  No!  Everything is not alright. Wake up!

SIMON PETER
I’m right here! Nothing’s going to … (Incoherent mumble.) Got all the time in the world … (Snore.) … or my name isn’t Simon--

MARY
(Completely over him, and pushes hard.)
Peter!  There’s a crowd gathering again! Ready for a fight!  Demanding revolution!

SIMON PETER
Get off me woman!  (PETER strides toward some bushes nearby, calling over his shoulder.) Where is he?

MARY
(Shocked; confused at PETER’S boldness.) 
East side of the slope!   Under a small grove of--

SIMON PETER
(While relieving himself.)
Wake him up while I see what’s happening.

MARY
Simon Peter!

SIMON PETER
What?  This? (Laughing.) And how many sons do you have?!?

(MARY flees.  PETER hurries as voices get louder.  Turning around, PETER is at once facing JESUS, MARY and the anxious CROWD fast approaching from opposite directions. PETER feels for sword.  JESUS bellows before immediate intersection.) 

JESUS
The ONLY reason you’re looking for me is because you’re hungry again!  You’re
here because you THINK I’ll feed you!  (Softly.)  Step aside, mother.  It’s fine.  

(JOHN and ANDREW rush up to PETER and MARY.  PETER discreetly moves them away from JESUS, the CROWD, and the soiled bushes.  JESUS gesticulates and the CROWD responds in heated conversation.)

SIMON PETER
What the--

JOHN
Shhh!

SIMON PETER
Don’t even shush me, John.

(PETER, ANDREW, JOHN and MARY snap their heads toward JESUS’ thundering
voice.)


JESUS
Don’t labor so hard for bread that will perish!  Labor for that which will never perish!

(CROWD wildly gestures in response.)

SIMON PETER
I don’t believe this! They only want what all of us want! A revolution!  Why’s he insulting these people? 

MARY
I’m not sure.

ANDREW
Look at their faces!

SIMON PETER
What does this have to do with food?!?

JOHN
Listen! He’s speaking analogies again.

ANDREW
Knowing full well--

JOHN
Most of them won’t understand.

SIMON PETER
A damn word he’s saying!

(MARY swallows a giggle. The focus is on the crowd again.)  

MAN #2
(Sarcastic challenge.)
Moses gave our fathers bread from heaven!  And they’re all dead!  
 
SIMON PETER
(Under his breath.)
I should’ve laid him out when I had the chance!

JESUS
NO!  (PETER’S head jerks.) It wasn’t Moses who gave your fathers that bread! My Father did!  The one who gives you true bread!

MAN #1
(Now caught up in the sarcastic frenzy.)
Oh!  Well then, please, Lord!  Please! Give us that kind of bread. We want only that kind of bread from now on!

(Crowd laughs at Jesus.) 

SIMON PETER
(Bracing himself.)
Here we go.

JESUS
I’M the bread of life!  He that comes to ME won’t hunger! He that believes on ME will never thirst! For I’M come down from heaven.   

MAN #1
(Sneering.)
Is this the same Jesus who came from Nazareth?  Whose own father and mother we know?  Now, I may be wrong!  But, I’m quite sure it is!

MAN #2
His mother’s right there! How can he say he’s come down out of heaven?

MARY
(Whispers.)
He’s walking right into this one!

SIMON PETER
He walks into every one of them.  (CROWD reacts violently to something JESUS has just said.) Mary move back! Get ready, guys.

JESUS
I SAID!  I said, EXCEPT you EAT the flesh of the Son of Man! And DRINK his blood! 
You DON’T have life in you!

(PETER’S hand falls limply from his hip/sword and he stands stunned.  No one moves.   There is complete silence.)

MARY
Oh, son. 

MAN #1
(Incredulous anger; disgust.)
I’ve never heard such a thing!  What?!?  Have you lost your mind?

SIMON PETER
(To himself; disgusted.)
That’s it.  

MAN #2
(To the surrounding crowd.)
How can this man give us the very flesh of his own body to eat?

SIMON PETER
(Under his breath.)
Impossible.  Unthinkable.

CROWD
Cannibalism!  Did you hear that?  Disgusting!  Who does he think he is?

SIMON PETER
(Thinking out loud.) 
All my life … wondering who he will be?

ANDREW
What’s he saying, John?

JOHN
I have no idea.

SIMON PETER
Thought you knew everything.

JOHN
This is beyond all I’ve ever heard.

SIMON PETER
We can kiss those recruits goodbye.  In fact, me too!  (Turns to walk away.) Bye.

MARY
(Whispers.)
Please … son …

JESUS
(Turning to his friends/mother.) 
Does this cause YOU to stumble?  The words I have spoken are spirit!  Are life!
                                                                                                     
(PETER whips back around.) 

ANDREW
(Under his breath.)
How’d he know? There’s no way he heard—

CROWD
Who ever heard?  What is this anyway?  Someone eating the flesh?  Drinking the blood? Of another man?

SIMON PETER
What is he doing?!?  

MARY
I’m still not sure.

SIMON PETER
Why am I here?

JOHN
Shhh!

SIMON PETER
You shush me one more time and I’ll shu--

JOHN
I said Shhh!  

(PETER starts to lunge JOHN.) 

MARY
Settle down you two!  I mean it!  

CROWD
That’s a violation!  Of the Law itself! An abomination! How can he say such things?

MAN #1
Evil!  No surer way to turn people away!  This man is evil, I tell you!  Evil!

MAN #2
We won’t support talk like this from any so-called leader.

SIMON PETER
(Thinking out loud.)
All my life.  A Messiah will come.

CROWD
Yes!  And he seemed so convincing!  What a shame!  Let’s go home! What a waste!  

SIMON PETER
(Thinking out loud.)
Wondering who he will be?  Why me?!?

MAN #1
I’m out of here! This is the biggest joke!  (Stomps near.) Come on!  Simon?

SIMON PETER
(Lunges forward.)
Hey!  Hear him out!  I’m sure there’s an explanation!

MAN #1
Maybe you don’t care about your wife and children, but we care about ours!  
 
SIMON PETER
(Reacts defensively; ready for a fight.)
That’s out of line.

MAN #1
(Ignored the threat.)
We’re sick of waiting for the revolution!  

SIMON PETER
(Incredulous.) 
And I’m not?!?

MAN #1
We came out here for action, and at no small cost to ourselves! No small cost! 

SIMON PETER
(Desperate to stop the crowd from leaving the cause.) 
But he fed you!

MAN #1
We didn’t come to hear disgusting words about … about drinking human blood!

SIMON PETER
I know you didn’t! (Lowers voice.)  I didn’t either!

JESUS
(To PETER from across the chaos.)
You leaving me too?

SIMON PETER
(MAN #1 tears away.)
How does he do that?!?

MARY
He’s always been that way.

ANDREW
What are you going to do?

SIMON PETER
Do?!

(CROWD flees in all directions.)

JOHN
Why, it’s mutiny!  

SIMON PETER
Yet there he stands. 

JOHN
With his crew bailing out!

SIMON PETER
Still he stands doing nothing!   Nothing! 

JOHN
It has got to be a misunderstanding.

ANDREW
Then why isn’t he trying to explain?

MARY
Yes, son … explain … please! 

JESUS
(Turns to go.)
What do you not understand?

SIMON PETER
(Exaggerated sarcasm.)
Let’s see--

JOHN
Shhh! (Caught himself.) Sorry.  

SIMON PETER
(Wagging fist at JOHN as he walks away miffed.) 
Just wait … you just wait.

ANDREW
He didn’t mean we’d have to drink his own blood literally!  Surely?

SIMON PETER
I don’t know anything anymore, Andrew.

ANDREW
(Watching PETER leave.)
Where are you going?

JESUS
(From afar.)
Peter?

SIMON PETER
(Slams against a post/tree.)
I said … I’d follow … this man … 

ANDREW
But what do you think?  

SIMON PETER
(Whips his head toward his friends.) 
I think … though half the catch is lost … through a rip in the net … there are other fish in the …

JOHN
(Under his breath.)
He’s staying.

SIMON PETER
And I’m thinking that … (Gets louder; walks back toward friends.) … Simon Peter, son of Jona, don’t run!  Ever! 

JOHN
You know he’d re-gather those men in an instant if he wanted to.

ANDREW
And we can raise another group easy!

SIMON PETER
(Sits down. Whips out sword.)
No!  Not easy.  Not easy at all!  Like he says … many are called, but few are chosen.
Lights fade as Peter begins sharpening his sword.

Chiseling the Rock: Peter's Play #2

1/26/2014

 
SCENE TWO
AT RISE:  Lights are faded to signify a setting sun.  Many months have passed.  PETER looks over at ANDREW and JOHN shaking out their sleeping blankets before rolling them back up.    PETER is still sharpening and shining his beloved sword.  ENTER MAN #1 and WOMAN looking for Jesus.  MAN #2 follows closely.  PETER stretches and yawns.

MAN #1
(Rubbing his belly.)
Just like Moses in the wilderness!  And the manna from heaven!

WOMAN
Yes!  He can do anything! (Looks up.) Praise the Lord. (Resumes with MAN #1.) And healing those poor, sick children?!? Bless their little hearts. (Eyes close; whispers)  Thank you, Jesus.  (Resumes with Man #1 without missing a beat.) I bet nothing’s beyond him!  

MAN #1
(Welcoming the distraction.)
Simon?  Simon Peter?  Is that you?   

SIMON PETER
Far from the fish nets, aren’t we?

MAN #1
I’d know that voice anywhere!  Amazing day!  Amazing! We ought to go right now and begin the revolutionary march!  

MAN #2
Nonsense! How will we make it to Jerusalem without being set upon by the Romans?   And besides, how will we eat?

SIMON PETER
(Incredulously.)
Did he say eat?!? 

MAN #1
(To MAN #2.  Laughing.) 
Your belly is happily growling with miraculous food that Jesus fellow just gave you! And you wonder how you will eat?    

SIMON PETER
So what if some rabid Romans show up!  We can take care of them!  

WOMAN
Yes!  Jesus can take care of them!  Why, he can stop the wind and the waves!  (Looks
up.)
  Praise the Lord.  (Resumes with SIMON PETER.) Simon, you know!  You saw it.  We’ve heard all about it from your Elisabeth!  Bless her heart.  And healing her sick
mother? (Eyes close; whispers.)  Thank you, Jesus.  (Resumes without missing a beat.)  Tell him, Simon Peter! What do you say?

SIMON PETER
(Under his breath.)
I say you women talk too much.  

ANDREW
(Calls out.)
Hey Peter!

SIMON PETER
(Heading over to Andrew and John.)
Yeah!

MAN #1
Thank you, friend!  (Calls after PETER.)  It’s good for her to hear that from someone other than me!

ANDREW
What a day!  Huh?  

JOHN
Crowds of thousands!  All over the hills!

ANDREW
Everyone’s stirring, too!  Ready to go!  

SIMON PETER
You know I’m ready! (Stifles yawn.  Stretches.  Shakes.)  I’m always ready!

(ENTER JESUS, with a small CROWD, making his way toward PETER.  There is nothing about his physical appearance to set him apart.  MAN #1 and WOMAN rush over to him with MAN #2 in tow.)

MAN #1
We know you’re from God!  We know you’re sent to redeem our nation!    

SIMON PETER
I say it’s about time!  Or my name isn’t Simon--

WOMAN
(Looks up.) Praise the Lord! (Eyes close; whispers.) Thank you, Jesus.
                                                                                         
(MAN #1 elbows her.  MAN #2 rolls eyes.) 

CROWD
Amen!  Hallelujah!  Exactly!  Yes!  Now!

ANDREW
(Privately.)
We’ve waited for this moment.

SIMON PETER
All our life, Andrew!

MAN #1
(Rallying cry.)
Men!  Are you with me?

CROWD
(Moves to hoist JESUS to shoulders.)
Yes!  We’re through waiting!  Revolution! We’ve waited long enough!  Let’s go!

JESUS
(Bellows.) 
NO! 

(SIMON PETER jumps at JESUS’ command.)

SIMON PETER
Sit down!  All of you!  (MAN #2 bows up.) Now I said! (PETER stuffs him down.) Everybody! Quiet!

JESUS
(Flash of disappointment.)
I know you’re excited, friends, but now is NOT my time!  Only the Father knows the time.

SIMON PETER
(Shocked.)
You’re kidding me!  

ANDREW
What could be better timing than this?

JOHN
We’d gather tens of thousands en route.

JESUS
Still!  It’s NOT time.

(JESUS gestures to the CROWD as PETER stomps away.  ANDREW and JOHN follow.  Following conversation ensues privately.)

SIMON PETER
Listen to him! Just listen to him. He has no intention going to Jerusalem yet!  For there is ‘much, much more to be done!’  And so on … and so forth … and so on.   (Yawns.) 
This is insane.  (Stretches.) I know the time.  (Yawns.)  It's time to fly up the roost before roosters crow. (Looks toward Jesus' way.) Now is my time!   
PETER  stomps over to his things away from the confused, dispersing CROWD, and snaps his  blankets out.  ANDREW and JOHN pick up their sleeping blankets, and exit with JESUS.  Lights  fade.)
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