Making Enemies

http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/7791/31052558
This is a little story, via Mary Jane, the music director I wish I were , that I think everyone should read.
The moral, in the opinions of this Aesop, is two-fold -- there is a lot of Good out there, which must not bee mad the enemy of the Best.
And other human beings, made in the image and likeness of God are not your enemies in this -- they are your patients!
How to Make Enemies
Yesterday I was chatting with a friend about various things theological. Before I go any further, let me assure you that this friend is a devout and intelligent Catholic, active in her parish and in one of the new movements. The conversation came around to the Extraordinary Form and the Novus Ordo and the Motu Proprio. Chris doesn't particularly care about one form of the Mass versus another; she wants a respectful and correct celebration. At the same time, she appreciates that others feel differently. However, she pointed out that some seem to be intent on working against their own interests. Her example:
One day recently, a lady in her parish stopped her with the words, "Do you support the Latin Mass or do you hold it in contempt?" Chris was justifiably annoyed at this all-or-nothing approach. And let me just summarize the rest of her comments on this encounter by saying it didn't leave her favorably impressed with EF supporters.
I know that there are decades of residual anger out there. And in places where the availability of well-celebrated Masses is seriously limited, that's understandable.
This my-way-or-the-highway style can also be found in the church music world: Gregorian or bust! And the causes are probably the same - decades of weak music poorly performed. (And yes, I know there's lots of contemporary music that can be beautifully executed.)
At the same time, don't jump on the wrong folks. We'll just end up annoying them rather than convincing them.