The Narrow Door
Drama
Lectionary Scenes
56 Vignettes For Cycle C
Theme
Without faith it is impossible to please God, and impossible to do what he asks.
Summary
It's the day for the 10K race and the announcer from the local radio station is there to interview the runners. She talks to Rahab, who shares a secret: "The Narrow Door" strategy. It's about how to run the race of life.
Playing Time
3 minutes
Setting
Starting line at the 10K race
Props
None
Costumes
Rahab -- running shorts, top, and shoes
Time
The present
Cast
ANNOUNCER -- PRISCILLA
RAHAB -- a runner
ANNOUNCER: We are blessed with a beautiful day here at the annual "Run For the Son" 10K Race. My name is Priscilla and I'll be covering the entire race from the finish line right here at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. The contestants are warming up and preparing for this grueling granddaddy of runs. This race is so difficult because of the hilly terrain surrounding the sleepy little hamlet of Bath, Ohio. Let's catch some of the runners as they are warming up, and see if they have some time to talk to our audience. (SHE MOTIONS TO A RUNNER WHO APPROACHES) This is Rahab, a favorite in this long distance race. Rahab, I know you've been training for a long time for this particular race. Rahab, what makes this race so important?
RAHAB: Well, Priscilla, I feel every race I enter is important. I want to do my absolute best. I really want to win. But this race is so important because this is the race of Faith and not too many people have finished it, let alone won it.
PRISCILLA: And you expect to win.
RAHAB: I sure do. I think everyone has to have winning as their goal. So sometimes you might not be first, but being second or third isn't bad. You would never even had gotten that second or third place trophy if you hadn't had winning as your goal.
PRISCILLA: Rahab, is there a secret that you can tell us? Some hints for running this race?
RAHAB: It's no secret, Priscilla. I practice the "Narrow Door."
PRISCILLA: The "Narrow Door" training. Is this something you developed?
RAHAB: Actually, no, I didn't. My trainer, Jesus, did though. He mentioned it as a principle of life in the kingdom of God. He said, "Try to enter by the narrow door; for many will seek to enter and will not be able to."
PRISCILLA: This race is a limited race.
RAHAB: It is an invitational race.
PRISCILLA: I think we better explain that for our viewers. This "Faith" race is solely by invitation. On the other hand, everyone is invited to run -- many may choose not to. So with that background, Rahab, could you tell us how you train?
RAHAB: Oh, of course, Priscilla, Much of my training is difficult. I have to lay aside every encumbrance ...
PRISCILLA: By that you mean...?
RAHAB: Oh, anything that keeps me from doing my best. For me it was my business. I had to put God first in my life.
PRISCILLA: I see.
RAHAB: And then I always have to be careful not to sin.
PRISCILLA: But, don't we all sin?
RAHAB: Of course. We all do. But the runner who is training is careful. Like before a big race, would you eat a big meal?
PRISCILLA: No. I might lose it.
RAHAB: And you'd probably lose the race, too. The runner must discipline herself to a regimen of exercise and correct diet so her body will respond the way she wants it to. Even little sins, if not confessed, will trip you up.
PRISCILLA: There are some people who begin the race and drop out, of course.
RAHAB: Naturally. I see them. They make a good showing, but when you get past the first easy miles, that's when training takes over. Some people make their appetites their gods, and think they can run the race on willpower or their reputations or something, I don't know. Well, they don't make it.
PRISCILLA:
What do you think of when you're running?
RAHAB: Well, you can't think about earthly things. My trainer, Jesus, always taught me to think on things above. You see, my citizenship is actually in His Kingdom, and if I think of being with Him I eagerly run to that finish line.
PRISCILLA: And that's what you call the "Narrow Door" training?
RAHAB: That's all there is to it, Priscilla. Just keep in rigorous training and free from sin and keep your eyes on Jesus and His Kingdom. Then anyone can get through the "Narrow Door."
PRISCILLA: Well, we want to thank you, Rahab, for sharing that insight with us. And we wish you God's blessing in today's race. There will be a great many witnesses cheering for you to finish.
RAHAB: Thank you, Priscilla. See you at the finish line.
PRISCILLA: There you have it. A well-trained athlete. And a sure winner. Maybe we can all be winners if we adopt the "Narrow Door" training of Jesus. See you at the finish line.
Without faith it is impossible to please God, and impossible to do what he asks.
Summary
It's the day for the 10K race and the announcer from the local radio station is there to interview the runners. She talks to Rahab, who shares a secret: "The Narrow Door" strategy. It's about how to run the race of life.
Playing Time
3 minutes
Setting
Starting line at the 10K race
Props
None
Costumes
Rahab -- running shorts, top, and shoes
Time
The present
Cast
ANNOUNCER -- PRISCILLA
RAHAB -- a runner
ANNOUNCER: We are blessed with a beautiful day here at the annual "Run For the Son" 10K Race. My name is Priscilla and I'll be covering the entire race from the finish line right here at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. The contestants are warming up and preparing for this grueling granddaddy of runs. This race is so difficult because of the hilly terrain surrounding the sleepy little hamlet of Bath, Ohio. Let's catch some of the runners as they are warming up, and see if they have some time to talk to our audience. (SHE MOTIONS TO A RUNNER WHO APPROACHES) This is Rahab, a favorite in this long distance race. Rahab, I know you've been training for a long time for this particular race. Rahab, what makes this race so important?
RAHAB: Well, Priscilla, I feel every race I enter is important. I want to do my absolute best. I really want to win. But this race is so important because this is the race of Faith and not too many people have finished it, let alone won it.
PRISCILLA: And you expect to win.
RAHAB: I sure do. I think everyone has to have winning as their goal. So sometimes you might not be first, but being second or third isn't bad. You would never even had gotten that second or third place trophy if you hadn't had winning as your goal.
PRISCILLA: Rahab, is there a secret that you can tell us? Some hints for running this race?
RAHAB: It's no secret, Priscilla. I practice the "Narrow Door."
PRISCILLA: The "Narrow Door" training. Is this something you developed?
RAHAB: Actually, no, I didn't. My trainer, Jesus, did though. He mentioned it as a principle of life in the kingdom of God. He said, "Try to enter by the narrow door; for many will seek to enter and will not be able to."
PRISCILLA: This race is a limited race.
RAHAB: It is an invitational race.
PRISCILLA: I think we better explain that for our viewers. This "Faith" race is solely by invitation. On the other hand, everyone is invited to run -- many may choose not to. So with that background, Rahab, could you tell us how you train?
RAHAB: Oh, of course, Priscilla, Much of my training is difficult. I have to lay aside every encumbrance ...
PRISCILLA: By that you mean...?
RAHAB: Oh, anything that keeps me from doing my best. For me it was my business. I had to put God first in my life.
PRISCILLA: I see.
RAHAB: And then I always have to be careful not to sin.
PRISCILLA: But, don't we all sin?
RAHAB: Of course. We all do. But the runner who is training is careful. Like before a big race, would you eat a big meal?
PRISCILLA: No. I might lose it.
RAHAB: And you'd probably lose the race, too. The runner must discipline herself to a regimen of exercise and correct diet so her body will respond the way she wants it to. Even little sins, if not confessed, will trip you up.
PRISCILLA: There are some people who begin the race and drop out, of course.
RAHAB: Naturally. I see them. They make a good showing, but when you get past the first easy miles, that's when training takes over. Some people make their appetites their gods, and think they can run the race on willpower or their reputations or something, I don't know. Well, they don't make it.
PRISCILLA:
What do you think of when you're running?
RAHAB: Well, you can't think about earthly things. My trainer, Jesus, always taught me to think on things above. You see, my citizenship is actually in His Kingdom, and if I think of being with Him I eagerly run to that finish line.
PRISCILLA: And that's what you call the "Narrow Door" training?
RAHAB: That's all there is to it, Priscilla. Just keep in rigorous training and free from sin and keep your eyes on Jesus and His Kingdom. Then anyone can get through the "Narrow Door."
PRISCILLA: Well, we want to thank you, Rahab, for sharing that insight with us. And we wish you God's blessing in today's race. There will be a great many witnesses cheering for you to finish.
RAHAB: Thank you, Priscilla. See you at the finish line.
PRISCILLA: There you have it. A well-trained athlete. And a sure winner. Maybe we can all be winners if we adopt the "Narrow Door" training of Jesus. See you at the finish line.
