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