The Challenge
Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "The Challenge, Act I, Scene 1"Young Man Has Doubts About Becoming a Priest
39 total reviews
Comment from Pangalactic
What an entertaining read thru that was. Great captivating characters and written very well. This is my first script read thru and I really enjoyed it. I could rely picture being there watching this play out. Great job
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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What an entertaining read thru that was. Great captivating characters and written very well. This is my first script read thru and I really enjoyed it. I could rely picture being there watching this play out. Great job
Comment Written 01-Nov-2021
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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Thank you, Trask. This is the first scene of the play. I hope you will keep an eye out for the next segment coming in about a week. I appreciate you on board.
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Intriguing as to the "recent revelation"! I'm on the hook. Vivid depictions of characters, especially Jesus. Dialog is believable. Get cracking on the next!
per lack of google hits:
Dellaney=>Delaney
Fitzimonds=>Fitzsimmons or Fitzsimons (optionally Capital S)
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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Intriguing as to the "recent revelation"! I'm on the hook. Vivid depictions of characters, especially Jesus. Dialog is believable. Get cracking on the next!
per lack of google hits:
Dellaney=>Delaney
Fitzimonds=>Fitzsimmons or Fitzsimons (optionally Capital S)
Comment Written 01-Nov-2021
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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I don't know what "lack of Google hits" means. I chose the spellings even though Grammarly said, "Naughty, naughty". Thanks for reading and for your kind words, Liz.
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I mean that the spellings you used are not found on google searches--it says Do you mean ... (Delaney, Fitzsimons)
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Jay,
Nice opening act for the play. In December of 1952, I was 2 years old, a Baby Boomer.
"The mores were different back then, and so the language that expresses them is different as well." ... (just wondering if you would explain "mores"?)
One other thing,
"Mama, that's because the Diocese (expect) me to accept a position in one of their parishes." ... (should this be "expects"?)
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I especially liked the conversation between Phillip and his mother about suffering and acceptance. The book of Job has always been a favorite of mine.
God gets a lot of blame for what Satan and his cohorts have done around the world. They don't tire. They're always at work. They twist, lie, and deceive on a regular basis. And when we sin, they run to God and tattle on us. That's all I understand about Job's story. It's good to know and understand what Satan is all about. He is after our souls. He is like a roaring lion, tempting and then accusing. But why did God give Satan permission to torture His servant? Why did innocent family members die? That boggles my mind.
"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, "From where have you come?" Satan answered the Lord and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it." And the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" Then Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face." And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord." Job 1:6-12
It seems Phillip is dealing with guilt. And that will affect his ability to preach. Satan will use every trick in the book to take down a righteous man. He whispers in Phillip's ear, "the only reason you graduated ..."
"please don't think I'm blind to the fact that the seminary would not have happened without Dad's memory coming through every month to help pay the way? And at what cost to you, Mother? At what cost to Susan?" ... GUILT!
Satan is a cad. And he wants to take us all to hell with him.
*************************************************
"Sometimes God's providence comes only after we've exhausted all our resources and right at the point when we're about to abandon him. At that moment, God looks into our hearts. He doesn't make our problems disappear, no. But he steers us in ways to accept our suffering and grow stronger." ... (I don't think we should ever accept suffering. I think of my poor mother-in-law who suffered with rheumatoid arthritis for many years. She eventually had joints removed from her fingers and toes. I can't imagine the pain she went through. Yet I never heard her complain. She did hold on to her faith in God. If the goal of our existence is relationship with Jesus, then finding him in our suffering is the point. But not accepting the suffering. Rather, praying for healing. Christ wants us to have a daily relationship with Him. He doesn't want us to suffer. It's all about the relationship. He wants to be our Friend.)
The book of Job opens a can of worms, Jay. So much to understand. A great many people use it as a hindrance to becoming a Christian.
"Why do bad things happen to good people?"
Anyway, perhaps I'm way off the topic. I don't know what direction you are taking this play. But so far, it's interesting. I couldn't imagine it wouldn't be.
Nice job, Jay. Looking forward to the next scene!
Cheers,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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Hi Jay,
Nice opening act for the play. In December of 1952, I was 2 years old, a Baby Boomer.
"The mores were different back then, and so the language that expresses them is different as well." ... (just wondering if you would explain "mores"?)
One other thing,
"Mama, that's because the Diocese (expect) me to accept a position in one of their parishes." ... (should this be "expects"?)
***********************************************
I especially liked the conversation between Phillip and his mother about suffering and acceptance. The book of Job has always been a favorite of mine.
God gets a lot of blame for what Satan and his cohorts have done around the world. They don't tire. They're always at work. They twist, lie, and deceive on a regular basis. And when we sin, they run to God and tattle on us. That's all I understand about Job's story. It's good to know and understand what Satan is all about. He is after our souls. He is like a roaring lion, tempting and then accusing. But why did God give Satan permission to torture His servant? Why did innocent family members die? That boggles my mind.
"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, "From where have you come?" Satan answered the Lord and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it." And the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" Then Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face." And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord." Job 1:6-12
It seems Phillip is dealing with guilt. And that will affect his ability to preach. Satan will use every trick in the book to take down a righteous man. He whispers in Phillip's ear, "the only reason you graduated ..."
"please don't think I'm blind to the fact that the seminary would not have happened without Dad's memory coming through every month to help pay the way? And at what cost to you, Mother? At what cost to Susan?" ... GUILT!
Satan is a cad. And he wants to take us all to hell with him.
*************************************************
"Sometimes God's providence comes only after we've exhausted all our resources and right at the point when we're about to abandon him. At that moment, God looks into our hearts. He doesn't make our problems disappear, no. But he steers us in ways to accept our suffering and grow stronger." ... (I don't think we should ever accept suffering. I think of my poor mother-in-law who suffered with rheumatoid arthritis for many years. She eventually had joints removed from her fingers and toes. I can't imagine the pain she went through. Yet I never heard her complain. She did hold on to her faith in God. If the goal of our existence is relationship with Jesus, then finding him in our suffering is the point. But not accepting the suffering. Rather, praying for healing. Christ wants us to have a daily relationship with Him. He doesn't want us to suffer. It's all about the relationship. He wants to be our Friend.)
The book of Job opens a can of worms, Jay. So much to understand. A great many people use it as a hindrance to becoming a Christian.
"Why do bad things happen to good people?"
Anyway, perhaps I'm way off the topic. I don't know what direction you are taking this play. But so far, it's interesting. I couldn't imagine it wouldn't be.
Nice job, Jay. Looking forward to the next scene!
Cheers,
Kimbob
Comment Written 01-Nov-2021
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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I'm using mores as the Oxford Dictionary used it, "the essential or characteristic customs and conventions of a community:
"an offense against social mores".
I corrected "expect" to "expects". Wasn't my fault. Was Phillip who said it, but can you keep it between you and me? You know how Catholics are about having their words corrected.
Thanks for your exegesis about the Book of Job. Have you seen the play JB, by Archibald Macleash? (sic) I think there is a movie version of the stage play. Phillip's suffering and guilt will go in another direction ... and I'm not saying Satan isn't the "director" of it. I'm out of my depth in religious scholarship, but that never stopped me from writing about it.
Thanks, as usual, for your interest in my writing, and the six star rating, Kimbob. It may be a while before the second scene posts.
Comment from Spitfire
This reads like the opening of a Broadway drama. Mom's finding the gossip magazine has the reader asking questions. James's drinking problem suggests more than one plot to the story.
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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This reads like the opening of a Broadway drama. Mom's finding the gossip magazine has the reader asking questions. James's drinking problem suggests more than one plot to the story.
Comment Written 01-Nov-2021
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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I assure you, Shari, there are a number of subplots to the play. Thank you for reading it. I hope you will continue on with it. I think you'll enjoy it.
Comment from lancellot
Very interesting. It seemed for a minute that Margaret was more religious than Phillip, but I guess a mother's guidance never stops. There is a mystery about the what this play is about. Time will tell.
Well done.
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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Very interesting. It seemed for a minute that Margaret was more religious than Phillip, but I guess a mother's guidance never stops. There is a mystery about the what this play is about. Time will tell.
Well done.
Comment Written 01-Nov-2021
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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Thank you, Lance. Yes, time WILL tell. I'm bracing myself for some adverse commentary by some.
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You won't get that. You're too strong with the force.
Comment from Ric Myworld
Your believable characters, as in the last, have me enjoying scripts, which I never thought was possible for me. LOL. Thanks for sharing another of your find chapters.
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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Your believable characters, as in the last, have me enjoying scripts, which I never thought was possible for me. LOL. Thanks for sharing another of your find chapters.
Comment Written 01-Nov-2021
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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THank you, Ric. It will be good to have you aboard for this different sort of play. I appreciate you!
Comment from Ulla
Hi Jay, I love it, I just love it. Where you get the inspiration, is beyond me, but no matter you describe the period so very well.
The mother of two additional children, one who kindly stopped growing at 6' 4", = this is priceless. So very well written and deserves a six on its own.
It is so 1950's. Loved the scene about the magazine as well. Now to see where you'll take this. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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Hi Jay, I love it, I just love it. Where you get the inspiration, is beyond me, but no matter you describe the period so very well.
The mother of two additional children, one who kindly stopped growing at 6' 4", = this is priceless. So very well written and deserves a six on its own.
It is so 1950's. Loved the scene about the magazine as well. Now to see where you'll take this. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 01-Nov-2021
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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I'm so please you are reading this play, Ulla. It means a lot to me. Since I lived through the 50s, and had a relatively happy childhood, it's easy to go back and write about it, but it was also a time that change came more slowly sans the internet. And with slow change comes intolerance. Purely by chance, I was born a white, protestant male, so I wasn't in the cross-sites of the world's haters.
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I was born in 1952, so I was just a small kid during those years. But I do have some distinct memories, all the same, from that time.
Comment from Judy Lawless
I think this is going to be another interesting screen play from you, Jay. The characters you've introduced so far are clear, all having some emotional issues, and you've raised questions, making me want to come back for the answers. Well done.
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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I think this is going to be another interesting screen play from you, Jay. The characters you've introduced so far are clear, all having some emotional issues, and you've raised questions, making me want to come back for the answers. Well done.
Comment Written 01-Nov-2021
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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Awwwww, you're coming back, Judy! Cornelius enjoyed looking out in the audience and seeing you there. I'll tell Phillip to keep an eye out for you as well. Thank you for paying your admission with your kind words.
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Great! Lol
Comment from barbara.wilkey
You have me for the long haul. I enjoyed reading. The characters are very realistic. I had to smile at Philip. My youngest is 6'5" and a little over 300 pounds. I have to stretch to make 5'4". When he stands besides me, it's rather funny. Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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You have me for the long haul. I enjoyed reading. The characters are very realistic. I had to smile at Philip. My youngest is 6'5" and a little over 300 pounds. I have to stretch to make 5'4". When he stands besides me, it's rather funny. Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 01-Nov-2021
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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My goodness, your son is 6'5"? I was totally guessing about the weight of someone that tall? As you'll find out, he was a lineman for the Notre Dame football team. I'm doing what I can do to portray someone who is not flabby, but quite muscular. I was afraid someone would say, "Wait, there's no way Phillip could be anything but fat at 300 pounds!"
Comment from Meia (MESAYERS)
I am SOOOO glad to see something new from you and it is right up my street as usual I adore it! I am so lucky to have gotten to read this in it's first chapter I LOVE the characterization and you fabulous humour, personality and sheer skill in your writing blow me away every time. I'm hooked! Well done this is truly outstanding kindest regards and warmest regards Meia x
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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I am SOOOO glad to see something new from you and it is right up my street as usual I adore it! I am so lucky to have gotten to read this in it's first chapter I LOVE the characterization and you fabulous humour, personality and sheer skill in your writing blow me away every time. I'm hooked! Well done this is truly outstanding kindest regards and warmest regards Meia x
Comment Written 01-Nov-2021
reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021
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Thank you, lovely Meia! You made my day a little brighter with the chartreuse glow from the sixth star, all capping your kind, enthusiastic words. I am really, really happy to have you aboard.