In today's gospel, Jesus spells out clearly the price of discipleship. It is easy to turn the gospel into some sort of a la carte menu, when I pick and choose the parts I like, and that suit me. The gospel challenges everyone of us who claim to be Christian: we have to stand up and be counted. Jesus makes wonderful promises of power working through us, of his peace, and of the Father's hug when we return to him. Part of the gospel story is the cross, whether we like it or not. No cross no crown. Everything that Jesus did in his life was gearing him towards that final showdown which was before him. There can be no divided loyalties!