2 Maccabees 14:6-8

New Catholic Bible

⁶ “Those Jews who are called Hasideans and are led by Judas Maccabeus are warmongers who foment sedition and prevent the kingdom from achieving a state of tranquility. ⁷ That is why, although I have been deprived of my ancestral dignity—I am referring to the high priesthood—I have now come here, ⁸ first out of my genuine concern for the interests of the king, and second, because of my regard for my compatriots, since our entire nation has been afflicted severely because of the irresponsible conduct of these people I have mentioned.