Can you imagine someone running for political office saying the same things Jesus said in the gospel (Mk 8:27-35)?  “Fellow Citizens.  Let me introduce my two-point plan to benefit all: (1) Deny yourself.  (2) Take up your cross.  Follow me!”  He or she is not going to get many votes.  Yet that is the two-point plan Jesus said to his disciples.  “"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”