BACK MARRIAG2 7'2m1f Marriage, past guilt, resentment PASTOR -- (enters, crosses to DC, to audience) We are gathered here in the presence of God to join this man (points) and this woman (points) in holy matrimony. (optional sound cue: one or two bars of "Here comes the bride") (Bride and groom march from L and R toward DC slowly and in unison; bride carries two large garbage bags stuffed with crumpled newspaper over both shoulders) PASTOR -- And now if the bride and groom will join hands, we will recite our vows. (Groom offers both hands, bride shifts both bags to one hand, offers one hand) PASTOR -- Excuse me, dear, you need to join BOTH hands as a symbol of your commitment to each other. BRIDE -- I'm sorry, but I only have one hand available. Can't we just proceed using one hand? PASTOR -- Can't you just let go of that... (points at bags) whatever it is you're holding on to? BRIDE -- No. PASTOR -- No? BRIDE -- No. PASTOR -- You mean you won't let go? BRIDE -- No. Now can we get on with it?! PASTOR -- But you have two bags over your shoulder. What's so important in the bags that you can't let go of them? BRIDE -- I'm sorry, I'm not at liberty to discuss it. Can we just get on with it?! PASTOR -- Well,... I'm not sure. BRIDE -- Why not?! PASTOR -- Well, the holding of hands is symbolic of your commitment to this new life together. If you won't let go of... whatever you're holding on to, I'm afraid... well, I would think that it's logical to question your commitment to this marriage. BRIDE -- I'm absolutely committed. Now, let's get on with it! PASTOR -- You've been married before, haven't you? BRIDE -- Yes. So what? PASTOR -- You've been married more than once. Am I right? BRIDE -- Is it in good taste to talk about my previous marriages during the marriage ceremony?! PASTOR -- Well, I don't think that I can in good conscience join the two of you in marriage if I know that one of you lacks commitment. BRIDE -- I told you. I'm committed. Now, let's get on with it! PASTOR -- What are you carrying that you can't let go of during your marriage ceremony? BRIDE -- You're ruining everything! Can't you just forget it and pretend that it's not there? PASTOR -- (to Groom) Would YOU like to forget what she's carrying? GROOM -- (shrugs shoulders then shakes head) BRIDE -- Alright! If you must know, I'll tell you what's in the bags! In one bag are the sins I've committed against others. PASTOR -- You mean, you're carrying your guilt? BRIDE -- You're not going to just let this slide, are you? You're going to make a big deal of it, aren't you? PASTOR -- Well, it seems that it's YOU who are making a big deal out of this. BRIDE -- It's in the bag. I have it contained. How is that making a big deal of it? PASTOR -- You're a Christian. Christians should NEVER carry ANY guilt. BRIDE -- Says you. PASTOR -- All you have to do is confess your guilt and... BRIDE -- Oh no you don't! PASTOR -- Excuse me? BRIDE -- You want me to air my dirty laundry in front of all these people and embarrass myself?! PASTOR -- Well, not necessarily. The Bible tells us to confess our sins to each other so that we may be healed. You could confess your sins to ANYBODY, public or private. BRIDE -- No. I'm sorry. I prefer to carry them with me. PASTOR -- But why? BRIDE -- If you confess them, the guilt is gone. PASTOR -- That's a good thing. BRIDE -- No it's not! PASTOR -- I'm confused. BRIDE -- The only way I can avoid making the mistakes of previous marriages is to carry the guilt with me. PASTOR -- Your a very smart person... BRIDE -- What does SMART have to do with it?! PASTOR -- Well, a smart person should know that getting rid of guilt doesn't get rid of the memory of it. You can still take advantage of your experience without experiencing the constant guilt all the time. BRIDE -- I can? PASTOR -- Sure. BRIDE -- Oh. Well, in that case....(throws one bag into audience) Why didn't anybody tell me that before? Let's get on with it! PASTOR -- (pauses, clears throat) BRIDE -- Well?! PASTOR -- You're still carrying something. (points) BRIDE -- Oh no you don't! You're not getting rid of this so easily! PASTOR -- What is it? BRIDE -- Can't we just.... PASTOR -- What is it? BRIDE -- Alright, I'll tell you. It's... it's the sins other people committed against me. PASTOR -- You mean, you're carrying resentment. BRIDE -- Well, yes. PASTOR -- So, you're willing to drop the guilt. But you're not willing to drop the resentment. BRIDE -- That's right. PASTOR -- Why not? BRIDE -- Do you realize what I would have to do to get rid of my resentment? PASTOR -- Well, since resentment is bitter feelings toward those who offended you in the past, I suppose the obvious solution would be for you to forgive them. BRIDE -- Oh no you don't! PASTOR -- So, you're refusing to forgive them. BRIDE -- Of course! PASTOR -- But why? BRIDE -- Well, it's only obvious! If I forgive them, they get away with it! I can't let them get away with it! PASTOR -- So, instead, you're just going to carry around this load of resentment for the rest of your life? BRIDE -- Well, of course! PASTOR -- Do you realize that if you do that, you couldn't possibly be 100% committed to your NEW marriage? BRIDE -- Why not? PASTOR -- It takes energy to remain committed to your resentments toward your previous relationships. In order to remain committed to your resentment you must borrow from your commitment to your new marriage. Perhaps the reason your previous marriages failed is because your resentments took too much energy. BRIDE -- I'm NOT giving up my resentments! I'm not letting them get away with it! PASTOR -- You're a Christian. Why don't you let Jesus take care of justice. BRIDE -- He would do that? PASTOR -- It's his job. BRIDE -- I don't know. I've been doing a really good job of holding them all accountable. PASTOR -- If you don't let go of it, you may as well sign your divorce papers when you sign your marriage license. BRIDE -- Well, when you put it like that, I suppose I should let go of it. (throws bag into audience) There. Now, let's get on with it! PASTOR -- Dearly beloved, we are gathered here... GROOM -- (turns, exits) BRIDE -- Where are you going? GROOM -- (stops, turns) I have two bags of my own to let go of. (exits) BRIDE -- (chases) You too?! Oh, honey! I didn't know! PASTOR -- (clears throat, to audience, exits opposite) You know, it would be a real shame to waste a perfectly good wedding cake. ©2013 Bob Snook. Conditions for use: Do not sell any part of this script, even if you rewrite it. Pay no royalties, even if you make money from performances. You may reproduce and distribute this script freely, but all copies must contain this copyright statement. http://www.bobsnook.org email: [email protected] BACK |