Fighting for Jesus: A Short Play

MOM is a mom, who’d like nothing more than to spend her spare time doing things she enjoys but instead must contend with MATTHEW, her 30ish, grown-ass unemployed son. (Suitable for puppets.)

MOM: Look, honey, Linda emailed me an article.

MATTHEW: (…)

MOM: Sweetheart, you might really want to take a look at this.

MATTHEW: I don’t want to see your stupid friend’s stupid article, Mom. (Mumbles obscenities)

MOM: It’s all about these young men, just like you, who are maybe having a bit of a hard time—

MATTHEW: Shut up! Shut the fuck up!

MOM (undaunted): And they’re doing—what is it? (looks at printout)—“mixed martial arts—a sport with a reputation for violence and blood that combines kickboxing, wrestling and other fighting styles—”

MATTHEW: (Looks up, despite himself)

MOM: With the church, Matthew.

MATTHEW: Lame.

MOM: It’s called Cage Assault, Matthew. Here, just look at the pictures. (Hands papers to MATTHEW) They’re fighting for Jesus.

MATTHEW: (Takes it. Looking, nodding head.) I guess it’s, kinda, I don’t know—

MOM: (Exploding with joy, but trying to temper it) So the amazing thing is that Pastor Greg was just talking about this last Sunday! He’s going to start a program!

MATTHEW: Huh.

MOM: I think I’ll tell him to give you a call.

MATTHEW: (Hint of hope in voice, like the first tentative snowdrop poking through the soil) OK, Mom. OK.

FINIS

Mary Valle lives in Baltimore and is the author of Cancer Doesn't Give a Shit About Your Stupid Attitude: Reflections on Cancer and Catholicism. She blogs on KtB as The Communicant. For more Mary, check out her blog or follow her on Twitter.