Dedication of the basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

15And the king’s officers who were enforcing the apostasy came into the city Modin to sacrifice. 16Many of Israel came to them, and Mattathias and his sons were gathered together. 17The king’s officers answered and spoke to Mattathias, saying, “You are a ruler and an honorable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and kindred. 18Now therefore come first and do the commandment of the king, as all the nations have done, including the men of Judah and those who remain in Jerusalem. You and your house will be numbered among the king’s friends, and you and your sons will be honored with silver and gold and many gifts.” 19And Mattathias answered and said with a loud voice, “If all the nations that are in the house of the king’s dominion listen to him, to fall away each one from the worship of his fathers, and have chosen to follow his commandments, 20yet I and my sons and my kindred will walk in the covenant of our fathers. 21Far be it from us that we should forsake the law and the ordinances. 22We will not listen to the king’s words, to turn aside from our worship, to the right hand, or to the left.” 23When he had finished speaking these words, a Jew came in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king’s commandment. 24Mattathias saw it, so his zeal was kindled, and his guts trembled, and he vented his wrath according to judgment, and ran and killed him upon the altar. 25He killed the king’s officer, who compelled men to sacrifice, at the same time, and pulled down the altar. 26He was zealous for the law, even as Phinehas did to Zimri the son of Salu. 27Mattathias cried out in the city with a loud voice, saying, “Whoever is zealous for the law and maintains the covenant, let him follow me!” 28He and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that they had in the city. 29Then many who sought justice and judgment went down into the wilderness to live there—

1The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks,

and calls the earth from sunrise to sunset.

2Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,

God shines out.

…

5“Gather my saints together to me,

those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”

6The heavens shall declare his righteousness,

for God himself is judge. Selah.

…

14Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving.

Pay your vows to the Most High.

15Call on me in the day of trouble.

I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

41When he came near, he saw the city and wept over it, 42saying, “If you, even you, had known today the things which belong to your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes. 43For the days will come on you when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, surround you, hem you in on every side, 44and will dash you and your children within you to the ground. They will not leave in you one stone on another, because you didn’t know the time of your visitation.”