We look honestly at the world in light of "the upcoming conflict" between God and Satan. 

The lesson this week takes a deliberate focus on the Catholic church and the pope, but we can't help looking broader for the Beastly powers mentioned in Revelation's description of end times. Our lived social experience no longer resounds to the great dichotomy between catholic and protestant - indeed there's a variety of societal divides which seem far more entrenched. Illicit drugs and family violence are deeply destructive of human society and does not seem any exaggeration to call them beastly tools of the devil. We don't have all the answers, but feel drawn to reflect on the primary importance of true worship in the care for poor and widows and orphans.