What is Parris trying to do when he questions Proctor on his church attendance and criticize him for “plowing on Sundays”?

Response:

"The Crucible"

Reverend Parris attempts to reinforce his religious authority as the sole spiritual leader of the Salem community. This is the reason he questions John Proctor regarding his church attendance. He also reproaches Proctor for "working the fields on Sundays" for the same intent. However, John Proctor consistently stands against Reverend Parris.

The contrasts in this narrative were heightened by the differing natures of two key characters, John Proctor and Reverend Parris.  John Proctor views Reverend Parris with disdain, considering him a deceitful, superstitious, defensive, and egocentric individual, who always adopts a victim mentality. This behavior was especially evident during the witch trial involving the girls accused of dancing in the woods. Conversely, Reverend Parris charges Proctor with violating the Sunday Sabbath. John Proctor is depicted as pragmatic, assertive, and confident, and does not cater to public opinion.

Clarification:

"The Crucible" is a play by Arthur Miller released in 1953, set during the Salem witch trials of 1692.  Reverend Parris discovered girls dancing naked in the forest who claimed they were under a witch's spell.  A special court was created to investigate these claims. Over a hundred residents of Salem faced accusations of witchcraft during the trial.  The central lesson from "The Crucible" is that group mentality in any societal, spiritual, or political circumstance can yield reckless, immoral, and irrational responses.  This play portrays the wrongful persecution of innocent individuals due to these baseless accusations.