The Bench

On a warm Spring Day, Bart, a 30-year-old executive, walks through a public park visibly shaken by his own personal crisis. He pulls a gun partially from his pocket and looks at it – he is contemplating suicide. His cellphone rings. He puts the gun back into his pocket. Bart answers the phone; it is his accountant. From the discussion, it becomes clear that Bart’s prior choices have put him in a criminal and financial jam. As he continues his discussion, Bart notices, but ignores, two men sitting on a park bench. These two men are unrecognizable by their ordinary appearances. The first man, Father God, is sobbing uncontrollably. The second man, Holy Spirit, is trying to comfort and console Him. Bart ends the call. Bart’s focus is broken by Father God’s sobbing which grows even louder. Bart cannot help but break focus on his own problems to investigate the other problem in front of him. Bart makes inquiry to Holy Spirit as to why Father God is upset. Holy Spirit tells Bart that three days ago, Father God’s only child, a Son, was tortured and killed. Bart’s interest is aroused, and he asks more questions. Holy Spirit proceeds to tell Bart that not only was Father’s God innocent of the false charges that were brought against the Son, but that Father God could have stopped the whole attack and saved His Son. Bart is now incensed about this brutal crime that could have been stopped. Bart asks Holy Spirit why Father God didn’t stop the attack and why weren’t the attackers held to be accountable. Holy Spirit then explains that Father God and the Son agreed that they would pay a ransom demanded by a third party. Bart is confused by this statement. Holy Spirit further explains that the law of the jurisdiction requires the death penalty for all laws that are broken. As Holy Spirit continues to explain this to Bart, Jesus comes up. Holy Spirit instantly recognizes Jesus and shakes Father God to get His attention. Father God glances up and rejoices to see that His Son is alive. All three embrace each other. Jesus then turns His attention to Bart. Although did not recognize Father God (Bart only saw Him from the back of His head) or the Holy Spirit, from His physical appearance, Bart recognizes Jesus. Jesus confirms His identity (by many names) and calls Bart by name. Bart and Jesus discuss Bart’s problems and Jesus reminds Bart of Jesus’ early words, “Come unto me all you heavily burdened and I will give you rest.” Jesus asks Bart to pray a simple prayer on his knees by the same bench that the two men were just seated on. Bart closes his eyes and prays. Just as Bart finishes his prayer and opens his eyes, he sees that he is alone. Father God, Holy Spirit and Jesus are gone. Bart stands stunned; however, he sees an old man sitting on a nearby bench. Bart and the old man converse about what happened. The old man did not see anyone but Bart. Further, Bart was talking to himself. Old man reveals that he is a retired priest and offers to help Bart. Bart’s cell phone rings in the middle of Bart’s conversation with the old man. It is his accountant, and the conversation tone changes to where Bart’s demeanor changes for the positive. Important Note: At no time in the production is the first man’s face ever seen.