2 Maccabees 9:19-21

New Catholic Bible

^19 [a]“To his worthy Jewish citizens Antiochus, their king and general, sends warm greetings and good wishes for their health and prosperity. ²⁰ If you and your children are well and your affairs are prospering as you wish, I am delighted. As my hopes are directed toward heaven, ²¹ I cherish affectionate memories of your esteem and goodwill toward me. On my way back from the region of Persia I was afflicted with a distressing illness, and therefore I have thought it necessary to make provisions for the general welfare of all.