i am concerned.

i know most of you will find that tremendously hard to believe, but i am concerned about my reaction to things, especially if they are meant for good.

my husband and i went to a play tonight (uh, excuse me - a prayer) put on by the franciscan mystery players called *the way of the Cross* it was, as you might suspect, as the booklet described:

...a contemplative experience of the passion and death of Jesus Christ. in its deper sense, this evening is not a play, but a real meditation on the events (stations) leading up to Jesus' death on the cross. prayer then, becomes the reason for our coming together this evening, and the sacred setting of a church sanctuary is the appropriate place. through use of special lighting, pantomime, props, music and the meditative word, your prayer and meditation will be focused and enhanced...

the only thing it failed to add were the words, "except for you, penni, you cynical critical woman you. hrmph."

let me add one detail which is very important: although narrated by adults, the entire program is mimed by high school students - i give them total props for doing this because God knows they could be spending their time elsewhere on a friday night, rather than performing one of the most difficult things to perform in front of strangers. God bless them in their efforts.

my problem is thus: i have a hard time when scripture is contorted and things are not lining up biblically. not that it is even said at the incorrect time of events that happened leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection; no, like when Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and says, "Father, if it be Your will, let this cup pass from Me" and instead, they substituted the word *cross* not that it is a huge deal, because later on, even though *cross* was said one more time, they added cup for emphasis.

or when they said everybody abandoned Jesus. no, Mary and John were there, following along with Him the entire time.

or when Jesus breathed His last, i believe He said something along the lines of "it is finished," not "forgive them for they know not what they do." they were not his last (final) words.

i am picky, i am critical. i am trying so hard not to be judgmental, but those *little* things added up to a lot of bigger things and it took away from my total immersion into what could have been an amazing prayer experience.

or not?

my husband kind of walked away with the same feelings, and we were some of the only people who didn't stay afterward for prayer. if i don't know where someone is coming from in their walk, i apologize again, but i don't want them praying over me or laying hands on me.

damn you, plexiglass shield!!

somebody kick my arse.

thankie.