Under the gloss of being named as the first Bishop of Rome, is the story of a real person with whom we can all relate. A close examination of scripture shows that whilst Christ held him in high regard most of the time Peter provided an example of doing nothing right at important moments in Christianity. In Matthew Chapter 16, Jesus commends him for answering the question "Who do you say that I am?" He is filled with the Holy Spirit. A few paragraphs later Jesus called him Satan when he complains that the Master must now go into Jerusalem and die.

Jesus invited Peter to walk on water with him. He started to do so, but then lost faith and began to sink. Whilst he is honoured to be present at many miracles, he denies Jesus three times, sends away the little children so they don't bother Christ, and on Holy Thursday - according to John - it is he who cuts off the ear of the slave of the High Priest.

After the crucifixion he hides with the other male apostles and even refuses to believe St Mary Magdalen and St Salome, the aunt of Jesus, that Christ rose on Easter Sunday.

Whilst performing miracles himself after Pentecost, he argued with St Paul against the conversion of non-Jews. Through it all he was well loved by the other disciples and, of course, blessed by God.

Perhaps a more appropriate title ought to be: "Patron of the Mistaken". We can all relate to his career.

Speaking of that which is appropriate, the noisy and well attended funeral of Charlie Driver was held on Friday 27th June. In life he brought joy, fun and song to the entire Slade Green community. It was right that his final performance was filled with music, smiles and people sharing laughter and stories!

I don't doubt that when he arrived at the golden gate, Peter was heard to shout: "Well done Charlie! The chorus is this way!"

> John Upton

1st July 2003