“God the First Served! – Love of Country!”

Testimonial of Wilfredo Rivera, in honor of his son Paul,
which he read at the Prayer Service.

Wilfredo Rivera

“God, the first served!” – “Love of country!” This undoubtedly summarizes the life of love of  Sgt. Paul Andrew Rivera. It is a peaceful consolation to be reminded that the soul of a deceased is granted, by God, the grace to be truly present; to bear witness to all that is said… and to all that unfolds, from start to end. “My beloved son, Sgt. Paul Rivera… Look and listen… This is your hour!”

FAITH AND LOVE OF COUNTRY

Faith and love of country was everything to the heart of our Patriotic Soldier. This humble man of peace was even for me, an example to follow. He was simple, approachable and radiated a smile that made one feel loved. He was kindhearted, always there when needed. As the years passed, his life experience matured his love. Family for him was a bond of unity, strength and love.

As he approached graduation from High School, already a love for country was deeply rooted in his heart. One day, Paul and his mother were in the kitchen joking and laughing with each other, when Paul simply stated… “Mom, I’m thinking about joining the Army.” Jokingly, his mother replied, “Oh, let someone else take your place.” Paul then said; “Mom, if all mothers thought that way, who would defend our country?” They looked at one another as Paul smiled and giggled. Evelyn then said; “Well, you got me there!” It is crystal clear, Paul’s soul already aspired to a high degree of holiness, a patriotic zeal  for love of country, but God would dig deeper to perfect what was lacking, to realize the traits most dear to Him, described in the prayer of consecration to Mary. Love was everything to him.

AN INTENSE SPIRITUAL LIFE

On the spiritual level, Paul was deeply rooted. He loved to read the lives of the Saints. There is a collection of books most dear to him which he would refer to as “The School of Mary”. From that day forward, his life would take on a new power, elevated by a Marian Love.

Sgt. Rivera quickly learned that good actions by example had a greater impact than multiple words, but when he did speak… he did so with foresight, gentleness and wisdom.

Faith and love of country united the hands of Paul, in a spirit of prayer with each passing day throughout his military life. This “School of Mary” taught Paul to embrace the two most dear and greatest commandments of the Law of God. We all know them: “You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, all your strength.” The second is likened unto it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Having practiced the two great commandments which focused on love, made Paul who he is. They became the center of his life of action. To pardon was to love, to sacrifice; the giving of himself for the aid of others was to forget himself in the service of love. Paul knew well that, without God, nothing good can be accomplished.

Was it by chance? The holy remains of our beloved, arrived just yesterday, so that today, on “All Saints Day” he is spoken of and surrounded by those who came to know him, and to lay to rest his body, tomorrow, on “All Souls Day”. God is good! God is precise!

“NO GREATER LOVE THAN TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE...”

In concluding: providential events led Paul to a distant country, accepting many hardships. He labored tirelessly to aid a suffering people gain their freedom and peace, for a better tomorrow.

No greater love is there than to lay down one’s life, and in this case, for a neighboring country. The life of Paul was not in vain. No, not so… Great is the reward God grants to all souls, who have loved unto death. “Bravo! Bravo! My son! Go! And receive your just and eternal crown of love!” “Almighty God and Father, we forever thank you! You grant us the grace of having witnessed yet another ‘life of love’ well lived, in imitation of the Lady.”

As a final tribute, Sgt. Paul Rivera would often quote this phrase: “God, the first served!” If you noticed, the first word I uttered when I began to speak was GOD! Paul would not have wanted this any other way. “Sgt. Paul Rivera! You have accomplished your service of love on earth. You can go in peace. Our Kiss of Peace! Look and see my beloved: the offering of your ‘life of love’ was not in vain! Until we meet again! Pray for us, as we continue our journey toward ‘the Kingdom of Love on Earth as in Heaven’.”

As my final act of love to honor you today, my son, your father is now impelled to sing “The Patriotic Hymn” so dear to you. This beautiful hymn identifies the example of your faith and love for country, toward the hope of a renewed civilization of love. The Millennium of Love! 

“The Kingdom”

Arise, Sons and Daughters of Mary! Behold a new day will begin
When for your terrestrial country, the love of your heart you will sing
For now comes the time that we hoped for, in combat this Kingdom is won,
When on Earth, oh God our Father, as in Heaven thy will be done.
When on Earth, oh God our Father, as in Heaven thy will be done!

Wilfredo [Fred] Rivera

Fred is the Oblate-Patriot Knight for his region.