Just in case you missed it, there was an excellent observation made in a comment in this thread, concerning His Eminence Roger Card. Mahony’s lack of interest in those who desire the so-called "Tridentine" Mass. Here it is.
…the Archdiocese of LA boasts 5 million Catholics. If only 1% are interested in the Latin Mass as the Cardinal proposes, then that means that there will be a mere 50,000 attendees at Latin Masses every weekend. I would be happy to see the Cardinal benignly accomodate such crowds each weekend by providing the Churches and priests and resources while he focueses his efforts into the ‘vibrant’ 99% (especially the 70+% of that 99% (3,465,000+) who don’t bother to attend church anyway).
His Eminence is one record saying:
James: of our 5 million Catholics, only a handful are interested in the Latin Mass. I must focus upon the 99% who need a vibrant Mass that includes them in its celebration.
Remember, "Latin Mass" means "Mass in Latin". It ought not be used as a term to distinguish the older rite from the Novus Ordo.
From his comments it appears His Eminence thinks the 1% to be on the wrong path. Leaving aside the obvious problem with a lack of willingness to "go in search of the one" (Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7) his comment reminds us of the sheer numbers involved in providing for celebrations of the older form of Mass. The situation of Los Angeles suggests that priests need to be well-instructed in how to address the needs of those who have their "legitimate aspirations".
They need to be supported and encouraged when they show a willingness to move in that direction.
"See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their
angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish." (Matthew 18:10-14)
angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish." (Matthew 18:10-14)Apparently the Lord Himself put great stock in those who had "legitimate aspirations", to borrow Pope John Paul’s description from the M.P. "Ecclesia Dei adflicta". Think of His description of the faithful as "a little leaven" (Luke 13:21).
A small group can have a large impact. But they won’t if what "the 99" see when looking at them is not something they find attractive.
This might call for an examination of conscience on the part of "the 1%". Nothing is so attractive to others who are seeking meaning and a direction as seeing joy in others who are farther along the road. In demonstrating joy and real unity, the tiny group could have a disproportionately large influence on a great many people.
On the other hand, bitterness and strife win over only those who tend to be happy only when they are unhappy.
