1 Maccabees 16:1-3

New Catholic Bible

Chapter 16

Simon’s Sons Repulse the Invader. ¹ John then went up from Gazara and reported to Simon his father what Cendebeus was doing. ² Simon summoned his two oldest sons, Judas and John, and said to them, “My brothers and I and my father’s house have fought the battles of Israel from our youth until today, and on many occasions we were successful in saving Israel. ³ Now I am old, but by the mercy of Heaven you have achieved maturity. Take my place and my brother’s, and go out and fight for our nation. And may the help of Heaven be with you.”