When Diamonds Are Not Forever

The gentle love conveyed by a gold-set diamond engagement ring sharply contrasts with tremendous upheaval associated with the ring's origin. Diamonds are simply carbon, super-heated and super squeezed in the roots of a volcano - conduits called "kimberlite pipes." Silver, copper, and even gold are also spawned by volcanoes. (The Antarctic volcano Mount Erebus, when erupting, dusts the white continent with microscopic particles of pure gold.)

Gold and diamonds are expected to last "forever" -- just as every couple expects their love to last. However, the sad fact remains that such tender honeymoon love, if not carefully and prayerfully cultivated, can easily erupt into fiery marital arguments that spew forth a lava of resentment and bitterness, The "diamond" character of either spouse, or both, may not prove to be shatterproof, and the "fool's gold" of love may tarnish with boredom, daily routine, and repeated inconsiderateness so common in Christ-less marriages. Such are the countless sad cases that clog our divorce courts.

True "gold-and-diamond" love is Scripture-piloted, so that the husband is challenged to seek, earnestly and self-sacrifically, the wife's happiness and holiniess (Eph 5:35), and is "won over" by the reverent submission of his wife (see 1 Peter 3:1). Today is a good day for a Bible-based assessment of your marriage.

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net