Crosses
from Pixabay
A Play In Two Scenes
By Father John R. Green
Copyright © by John R. Green
Shown with his blessing
Andrew Hightower, age 55, Father
Pamela Hightower, age 55, Mother
Allen Hightower, age 30, Son
Shelly Hightower, age 27, Daughter
The leisure lounge in the Hightower home
Three-Thirty on Good Friday Afternoon
SETTING: A sofa seating two is located in rear center of room, facing frontward. A comfortable sitting chair is stationed left of sofa, near center of room, while another soft cushioned chair is right of sofa, near room's center. A small stand holding a pitcher of milk and a platter of apples is in center of room. A television set is situated near left front of room, while a record player sits near right front of room. A doorway covered with drapes leads into room from left rear of sofa.
AT RISE: Andrew and Pamela are seated side by side on sofa. Pamela is smiling radiantly as she looks forward and slightly upward. Andrew is grimly gazing toward front of room. Pamela looks toward Andrew, then turns frontward again. She pauses briefly.
PAMELA (beaming) Wasn't the service impressive, Andrew? I am always glad when our family attends church on Good Friday. You know, I haven't missed a service since college days. (Looks toward Andrew, hoping for some reaction from him; looks forward again.) And that Reverend Maxwell Armstrong's presentation was superb. (tenderly) They say he has suffered much - maybe that is why he touches the congregation so deeply. (Glances toward Andrew again.) You are not responding to anything I say, Andrew. Tell me, something about that service has shaken you, hasn't it?
ANDREW (emphatically) It was that insufferable hymn, they sang, "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?"
PAMELA (Puzzled, looking frontward.) Why I believe it possesses a quality of beauty. Shelly says that the Negro Spirituals have a way of penetrating the depths of human experience and spiritual awareness.
ANDREW (Vigorously shaking his head.) It is a foolish, ridiculous piece of music! None of us were there when they crucified Jesus Christ. Had we been present things would have turned out quite differently. (Enter Shelly and Allen and look toward Andrew and Pamela)
SHELLY (Displaying a record.) We were able to depart from the church sooner than we expected. We need to hear this record. (She moves to record player as Allen takes an apple from center stand, absorbs a bite from it, and seats himself in chair to left of Pamela. Shelly places recording on record player, starts music, and seats herself in chair to right of Andrew.)
ANDREW (Pounds fist on palm of hand as music begins.) Oh my God, Shelly, you put us through this torture at the service! Why submit us to it again?
SHELLY (pointedly) I played it at the service because I believe it highly appropriate for a Good Friday service, and there were requests for it to be included in the service. We organists and choir directors do receive such requests, you know.
ALLEN (smoothly) Why does this hymn upset you so mightily, Dad? I find it very impressive, rather intriguing.
SHELLY It is because Dad was present at the Trial and Crucifixion.
ANDREW (exasperated) Oh, fantastic nonsense!
ALLEN (softly) Oh yes, Dad, you were in Pilate's Hall. If ever there was such a Trial, we were all there. Everyone now alive viewed the Trial and Crucifixion.
ANDREW (sarcastically to Allen) As an agnostic you certainly love to preach.
SHELLY (Waving her arms for quiet.) Please! Please! Let us listen to the recording, and then talk. (Andrew tilts his head backward in sullen defiance. Pamela sits with her chin resting upon her hands. Allen chews on apple and listens intensely. As recording concludes, Shelly goes to adjust record player and then returns to her chair.)
ANDREW Well, let us suppose I was there. As a Judge and former Prosecuting Attorney, do you believe for one moment I would have permitted the injustice to our Lord which took place?
SHELLY (emphatically) Sorry, Dad, that is precisely what I believe.
PAMELA (dismayed) Oh Shelly, how can you accuse your father of doing such a thing?
ALLEN (pointedly) Listen, Mother, Dad would have acted the same way in Pilate's court as he does in his own court. Dad would have treated Jesus as a criminal, and as one who was accused. of treason.
ANDREW (protesting in frustration) But he was innocent!
ALLEN (grimly) But you would not have known that, Dad. All you would have known is that a man called Jesus was standing before Pilate accused by the Sanhedrian of being a criminal and treasonous.
PAMELLA (throwing her arms upward) Should your father not be harsh on criminals and traitors to our country?
SHELLY Dad would like to throw the book at people accused of committing crimes before they have been convicted of doing so.
ALLEN Yes, Dad, you pay lip service to fair trails - those accused are innocent until proven guilty, but in your heart of hearts they are guilty until proven innocent. Right? (Andrew bangs fist against palm of hand in irritation while Pamela waves her hands in vexation.)
SHELLY (nodding her head) Which means that as soon as you heard the accusations against Jesus you would have adjudged him to be guilty; you would not have stayed the execution. When we enter the past our real selves are with us.
PAMELLA (sighs and shakes her head) I wish I couldn't believe what is coming from you two. (places her right hand on Andrew's left hand) Andrew would never let an innocent man be put to death.
ALLEN You forget, Mother, that he did just that when he was the Prosecuting Attorney. He repressed evidence which would have proven that young Phillip Henderson was innocent.
SHELLY Yes, evidence that surfaced causing the real killer to confess to the crime. Your surely remember Dad telling us before the jury verdict that Phillip was guilty, and that he was going to see that he was executed. (Andrew arises from the chair, shakes his head passionately, and stamps his right foot against the floor.)
ANDREW Society is being victimized, traumatized and held hostage to crime and criminals - hideous crimes and callous criminals with no remorse. People are desparately tired and sick about how the rights of criminals are protected. I want the rights of decent, law abiding citizens and victims of crime protected and enhanced!
ALLEN (waving his hands in agreement) Don't we all? We are all victims of crime in one way or another. Have you forgotten that I was the star witness for a victim and he was attacked by thugs who warned me against testifying? But are you saying that in protecting victim's rights it doesn't matter whether innocent people are put to death? (Andrew walks to stand and pours himself a glass of milk.)
ANDREW Sometimes, it is better that the innocent die than the guilty go scot free.
PAMELLA (shocked) Oh dear! (Andrew drinks his milk.)
ALLEN (irritated, rises from his chair) Wasn't that the reasoning that Pilate used to put Jesus to death? He found Jesus innocent, but he wouldn't risk a riot by releasing him - a riot in which others might die, and he was censored by Rome for permitting it to take place. (shakes his head in disgust) He would have welcome your support with open arms, Dad. (Andrew places glass on stand, and shakes his head while returning to his seat.)
ANDREW (throwing arms outward) Why all this assessing of blame? I thought it had been fore ordained that Jesus was to die for the sins of the world!
ALLEN (chuckling) I am hardly an authority on the Christian Faith. I will leave that to you theologians. However, I find it hard to believe that anyone could be absolved for evil doing by claiming that his actions are the will of God.
SHELLY (rises and takes three steps toward Andrew) And bear in mind, Dad, He was likewise accused of sedition. You give the most harsh sentences possible to those who participate in illegal demonstrations - no matter how worthy the cause - against polluting the environment, against nuclear danger, against racial injustice. You try not to give permits for constitutionally protected demonstrations. (returns to her chair)
ALLEN (shaking his head) You wouldn't have been very happy with Jesus. Take that parade you Christians celebrate on Palm Sunday - quite a demonstration, I would say, hailing the King. The Jewish religious authorities maintained they had no king but Caesar. And how about his chasing the money changers from the temple? Wouldn't you consider that anti-establishment, your honor? (Shelly nods her head in agreement with Allen. Pause. Andrew struggles uncomfortably in his chair, as Pamela arises and takes a few nervous steps sideways.)
PAMELA (facing frontward) Prepare yourselves for a bomb. At our churchwomen's meeting last week, our featured speaker, Martin Kingsley, asked a very significant question. (pause, glances at others) In response to our reactions to his question, he shook us from head to toe. (pause, Andrew and Shelly lean forward in anxious suspense) He emphatically declared that there is only one organization in our beloved country that would have defended Jesus, had it been present at his trial. (pause, as others fidget in their chairs and exchange glances) And that organization is the American Civil Liberties Union!
ANDREW (angrily lunging forward in his chair) The American Civil Liberties Union is composed of agnostics and atheists!
ALLEN (chuckling) Simmer down, Dad. Yes, we have agnostics and atheists in our ranks, but we likewise have religious people. One of your highly admired Episcopal bishops has been active with us. Basically, we consider ourselves to be humanitarians.
PAMELA I simply had to get this out. I have been neither eating or sleeping well since hearing Martin. He added that the ACLU is the only organization in the United States that will defend the constitutional rights of each and every person, group and organization.
ALLEN (amused, smiling broadly) I don't think you good churchwomen or Dad need worry lest that conservative economist becomes a member of The American Civil Liberties Union. I believe that Martin Kingsley was simply expressing gratitude to the ACLU for protecting a constitutional right of his wife, Olive.
SHELLY (dubiously) Now what might that have been?
ALLEN Her right to display on her lawn a flag from each State of the Union and six American Flags. The city permits only one flag on each lawn. (pause. Shelly goes to Andrew and places her left arm around his, shoulder, kisses his forehead, and returns to her chair).
SHELLY (tenderly) But, Dad dear, you were not the only one present at the trial who did nothing to save him. There were multitudes with you. I was miserably weak and deplorably ineffective in defending him. (breaks into sobbing and rises from her chair) I might have prevented the execution of Phillip Henderson. (gasps as though in pain, and Andrew shifts uncomfortably in his chair. Allen gazes toward Shelly in amazement while Pamela looks toward Andrew and then Allen in bewilderment.) Yes, I had an opportunity to gain access to information which would have cleared him of the charges leveled against him.
ANDREW Oh come now, Shelly dear, how could this possibly have been?
SHELLY (regaining her composure and wiping her eyes with handkerchief, she seats herself) I received an appeal from a friend on behalf of young Henderson. She informed me where I could go for the information that did clear him, but only after he was executed.
PAMELA (confused) But why did she want you to receive this information?
SHELLY She thought that the information would only be of value to someone in a position to help Phillip; and she thought that I, as the daughter of the Prosecuting Attorney would be most helpful. (to Andrew) But I was simply too scared to go to the Rockhill area to obtain the information. I received an anonymous phone call warning me not to go there. (Andrew drops his head on the palms of his hands.)
PAMELA Well, Shelly, you had to protect yourself.
ALLEN (wondering)There was more to it than that, wouldn't you say, sister dear?
SHELLY (nodding) I was afraid of losing my position as social secretary. I glorified in that position. I was anxious lest I lose my standing to impress the affluent, the prestigious, the elegant - our friends, mother and dad! I had been advised that social secretaries should avoid involvement in controversial social causes. I was a coward in Pilate's court. I, like Peter, ran scared, Like Pilate, I protected my status. That I did unto Phillip Henderson, I did unto Christ. (She goes to Andrew and lifts his head from his hands.) Hold your head high, Dad. Christ died for us! (Andrew sits straight and tenderly presses his hands on Shelly's arms. Shelly returns to her seat after procuring an apple and a glass of milk from the stand.)
ALLEN (following a long pause, he arises from his chair and slowly paces toward Pamela and back) Well, if there was a Jesus on trial in Pilate's hall, I let Him down. I am as guilty as any of you. (pause, as others exchange wondering glances) You know that I was assigned to cover the murder investigation and trial of Phillip Henderson, but I begged off. (to Andrew) My conscience is a little lighter, Dad, because I didn't know at the time I requested a different assignment that you had repressed evidence. Had I known that, I would have sadly devoted myself to the Phillip Henderson story. I am certain that had I pursued that assignment Phillip would be alive today. (pause) Yes, I am sure I would have uncovered the evidence needed to prove his innocence. (pause, shaking his head) But I wanted the glory and prestige of covering a political convention; so I managed to get reassigned.
PAMELA Didn't your editor say that you were entitled to go to the convention? Wasn't that what you had been looking forward to doing?
ALLEN No, Mother, I put my self-interest ahead of the life of Phillip Henderson. I was with Pilate all the way!
SHELLY (wondering) Did you feel that you could clear Phillip at the time you rejected the assignment?
ALLEN Look at my journalistic record. I always get to the bottom of things. There was no excuse for my default. (seats himself)
SHELLY Well, I very reluctantly agree with Martin Kingsley that the American Civil Liberties Union is the only organization that would have fought for a fair trial for Jesus, but it distresses me that a non-religious organization is the only one to do so. I have long known that the ACLU protects the rights of any and everyone, but I am not glad for this. I wish it would not protect the rights of some people. I am by no means happy with your organization, Allen. I don't agree with a number of things it is doing.
ALLEN Oh, I have my disagreements with it from time to time. (laughing, lightly) I have heard you bitterly criticize the Republican Party, but there will be icebergs in Miami before you stop supporting it.
SHELLY (chuckling) How well I know! (emphatically) Why don't you devote your considerable talents time and energy to a popular, well-liked organization? How about the Boy Scouts of America?
ALLEN A great organization! I speak as one who has been an Eagle Scout. But winning popularity contests and defending the Constitution and The Bill of Rights are not always compatible. And wasn't it religious authorities who brought the accusations against Jesus which resulted in His death?
PAMELA (painfully) Well, it seems as though I am the only one whose guilt in the defense of Jesus has not been deliberated. (slowly) I had some doubts as to the guilt of young Henderson. He seemed to be a well respected, community minded young man, and something you muttered in your sleep, Andrew, led me to believe that you were not convinced of his guilt. I kept these misgivings to myself. I wanted to keep peace in the family at any cost and support Andrew to the hilt. Yes, I have been with Pilate all the way. (pause. shaking her head) That's not all. I have left other people do my thinking; I would have fitted in well with the mob at the trial. I am told that I have the capacity for deep thought, but I have failed to utilize it. I would have called for the Crucifixion of Jesus, as did the majority in Pilate's court. (pause. she seats herself)
ALLEN (thoughtfully) If ever I become a religious person, it might be because of my intense admiration for the reported praying of Jesus that His enemies he forgiven. There is a sore need in the world for such mercy, especially among church people.
PAMELA Are you implying that we in the church don't forgive those who trespass against us?
ALLEN (shaking his head) Not everyone in the church, but I have observed an unforgiving attitude in many professing Christians: An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Is their allegiance to Christ or the laws; of antiquity? (long pause)
SHELLY (slowly) Well, as they say, confession is good for the soul. Each of our souls should feel healthier now. But I don't feel this is quite enough.
PAMELA I don't understand, Shelly. I thought that once we have confessed our sins and are truly sorry for having committed them, we are forgiven - the slate is wiped clean.
SHELLY Yes, Mother, but I feel that something more is needed in our situation. Let us bring forth fruits worthy of repentance.
ALLEN Do some good works, eh?
SHELLY Yes, definitely.
ALLEN What do you have in mind?
SHELLY I am not sure. Shall we discuss what each of us might do?
PAMELA I am afraid I can't do that now.
ANDREW I am both relieved and shattered. I believe I could do better tomorrow.
ALLEN How about nine in the morning? (he receives nods of approval from others.)
SHELLY I have the Tenebrae service tonight.
PAMELA I will be at the church to refrigerate the flowers for the Easter services.
ALLEN I have an event which is considered newsworthy to cover tonight.
ANDREW I'll prepare myself a bite to eat and then go for a stroll. After that, you will find me in the study engaged in what might resemble thinking.
(The four depart from room; Pamela carrying the milk and apples.)
SETTING: The same as in Scene 1. A pot of coffee, a pitcher of orange juice and a platter of Danish are on the stand.
AT RISE: Andrew is seated on sofa, slowly drinking coffee. Shelly enters room, drinks a glass of orange juice and seats herself in chair to the right of sofa. Allen enters room and takes a Danish and a cup of coffee to his chair to the left of sofa. Pamela enters and seats herself beside Andrew on sofa.
PAMELA A strange thing happened in the Hightower residence this morning. There were no calls for breakfast.
SHELLY Not so strange considering the night we have been through. (chuckling from the four)
PAMELA Some say dreams solve our problems, but mine were nightmares.
ANDREW I slept better than I thought I would. Did anyone dream the impossible dream?
ALLEN I dreamt the unlikely dream. (pause, while others stare in his direction) However, I won't elaborate at this time.
PAMELA I marvel how long we tried to hide our anxiety from one another. All the while, I believe we understood those temperamental outbursts and exhibitions of impatience. (pause) I wonder how many families have such an experience?
SHELLY I don't know, but let's put this experience behind us. Have found my fruit of repentance. Now hold on to your seat (pause, eyes other three who lean forward in suspense) I am going to join the Peace Corps, if they will accept me! (murmurs of surprise and doubt from Andrew and Pamela)
PAMELA I know you expressed an interest in social work during your teens, but I now regret discouraging you. (smiling toward Allen) I didn't want another flaming liberal in our family! But serving in the Peace Corps? Are you sure you are up to such a venture?
ANDREW You could perform a similar service in this country.
SHELLY I haven't been sheltered as much as you seem to think.
ALLEN (chuckling) Our Shelly will succeed in the Peace Corps. Of course, in the beginning she might wish she were back in the good ole USA.
ANDREW (to Shelly) Despite our doubts, we will support you all of the way. Right, Pamela?
PAMELA (beaming) Absolutely!
SHELLY (wiping her eyes) That's great!
PAMELA Well, maybe you should apply the same skeptical judgment to my proposed fruit of redemption as I did to Shelly's. (pause) I have decided to devote considerable time and energy to improving health conditions, not only here in America, but in other areas of the world.
SHELLY (delightedly) Why should this surprise us? We have long admired your compassionate spirit and stamina.
ANDREW (nodding) It is a natural decision for your mother.
ALLEN (grinning broadly) Will your country club friends think so, Mother?
PAMELA (forcefully) They better had! I hope to gather some recruits from among them. We conservatives have as much responsibility for eradicating social evils as do liberals.
SHELLY I am told that my musical skills should be helpful in the Peace Corps, but I am prepared to serve in any capacity they deem me capable. And following my term in the Peace Corps, I shall return to the social swirl. I might join the chorus with some opera company.
ALLEN Now that will keep you in tune with high society.
SHELLY (laughing, pointedly) Don't you dare tell me that asinine pun was not intended! (long pause. Allen returns coffee cup to stand; then resumes his seat)
ALLEN Of course, I am not much in to absolution and fruits of repentance but I am sorry about Jesus Christ, if ever such a person was brought to trial before Pilate. And I am likewise sorrowful regarding the fate of Phillip Henderson. As a meager amend, my next feature will depict the plight of the mentally ill.
PAMELA (painfully) You are going to forgo the global warming conference? (Allen nods affirmatively.) But you have discussed ecology rapturously for years now. You were to lead a workshop at the conference.
ALLEN That's true, and my dedication to ecology is not diminished in the slightest; but the mentally ill constitutes the only major group in America that has no great lobby, no great champions. Their anguishes, heartbreaks and needs must be kept before the public, and the media is the only vehicle through which this will he accomplished. Of course, this journalistic venture will reap me no glory.
PAMELA. (thoughtfully) It so happens that mental health will be a part of my package, but it usually takes a back seat to the concerns of physical health. Maybe our paths will cross, Allen. (She takes Andrew's coffee cup to stand, secures a cup of coffee and returns to her seat.)
ANDREW (struggling) My fruit of repentance will startle others more than any of you. (long pause. Pamela, Shelly and Allen anxiously move forward in their chairs.) In public, I shall praise the Bill of Rights and due process. (cheers from others) I shall likewise acknowledge former indiscretions in my judicial performance, and promise reformation.
ALLEN (smiling, gingerly) How about a good word for the ACLU?
SHELLY (smiling, defiantly) Now don't get carried away! (Andrew and Pamela smile sheepishly toward Allen.)
ANDREW I empathize with St. Paul. He must have had one whale of a time convincing the friends and relatives of those Christians he murdered that he was their friend and a witness for Christ! (sympathetic laughter from the group) I am also resigning my judgeship. (shrieks of dismay from Shelly and Pamela)
ALLEN (leaps from chair, waves arm and moves several paces toward Andrew) No! No! Dad. You are highly qualified and competent to sit on the bench. All you need is what you Christians call a cross at the center of your judgments. Uphold the law by'all means, and bring about the reformation! (returns to his seat, as Pamela and Shelly vigorously applaud)
PAMELA I wish some white collar criminals who are going their merry way would be brought before you.
SHELLY (solemnly) It is up to every single person to determine how he or she acted at the Trial and Crucifixion of our Lord. (pause) And each and everyone must decide whether he or she should bring forth a fruit of repentance, and what that fruit should be.
PAMELA Tomorrow, we will welcome Easter again. We will truly celebrate the resurrection!
ALLEN I'll be in church with all the doubts I wish I didn't have.
SHELLY (slowly) Another agnostic, dear Doctor Randall, my history professor, elaborately explained that the history of the last two thousand years has been swayed by the belief and action of those who claimed to have seen the resurrected Christ. Jesus was certainly a historical person. If you accept this in your head, maybe in time you will accept the resurrected Christ in your heart, my dear brother, Allen.
THE END