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If you have been in a cow pasture or driven by a farm, you have probably seen “cow trails” marking the path to and from the barn. As the cows walk in single file and take the same route day after day, a pathway is worn into the ground over time. There are some theories explaining why cows behave this way but it interesting to think about the parallels in human behavior.
 
Our Gospel today reminded me of this image and a short search found a poem from Sam Walter Foss that fits well:
 
“For men are prone to go blind…along the cow paths of the mind.” X2
In the Gospel, Jesus is comparing the chief priests and the elders to the 2nd son in His parable. Unlike the 1st son who changed his mind and followed his father’s orders, the 2nd son lied to his father and then disobeyed. Jesus also points out the stubbornness of chief priests and the elders. After seeing the conversion of tax collectors and prostitutes, the chief priests and elders were blind to the spiritual significance of John the Baptist’s ministry.

This morning we may want to consider some of the reasons why the chief priests and elders were so blind and stubborn and if we could be in danger of falling into the same trap.

The chief priests and elders may have been following the same cow path for so long they were blind to the fact they were stuck in a rut. The chief priests and elders may have also been dealing with the temptations of pride, envy and laziness.

We are all susceptible to these same causes of blindness. As we come together for the Eucharist this morning, let us ask God to illuminate any darkness in our spiritual lives.