The mystery and perfect love of God
Brendan McLean argues that "The Tree of Life" is a theologically rich, liturgical meditation that explores God’s mysterious presence in both the vast cosmos and the intimate struggles of human life.
More Stories from this Author
Why ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ may be the most Christian film of 2025
A priest. A murder. A question at the heart of faith. “Wake Up Dead Man” isn’t just a locked-room mystery — it’s a theological reflection, writes Brendan McLean.
Superman isn’t ‘too woke’ — he’s kind
"Superman" returns the hero to his roots as a "champion of the oppressed," offering lessons for Christians along the way.
Sacred spaces (May 11, 2025)
2 Chronicles 7 invites reflection on sacred spaces that reveal God’s glory, beauty, and enduring love across time and place.
Lessons from the viral anglerfish video
A tiny creature's journey from darkness to light – and the world's reaction to it – causes Brendan McLean to reflect on hope.
David Lynch, divine wisdom, and finding beauty in a chaotic world
Brendan McLean reflects on David Lynch’s surreal art, biblical wisdom and divine mystery.
The practice of presence (November 24, 2024)
Brendan McLean reflects on the beauty of the ordinary.
A catalogue of gratitude (November 17, 2024)
Brendan McLean writes on thanksgiving and Psalm 100.
A pastoral confession: My favorite holiday is Halloween
Brendan McLean writes about Halloween and Psalm 146.
The Good Shepherd (November 3, 2024)
Brendan McLean writes on Psalm 23.
On a misunderstood Mr. Rogers quote
Mr. Rogers famously said to "look for the helpers." Brendan McLean wonders if that's the best instruction for adults and connects his question to Romans 10.
“There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo” (May 19, 2024)
Brendan McLean writes on hope, Romans and "Lord of the Rings."
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and Abraham (May 12, 2024)
Brendan McLean writes on Romans 4:13, 16-21.
Life-changing grace (May 5, 2024)
Brendan McLean writes on Romans 3:21-30.
Dune 2’s warning echoes the Barmen Declaration
Both "Dune: Part Two" and the Barmen Declaration call Christians to reject religious corruption, writes Brendan McLean.
Moving beyond fear (March 17, 2024)
Sometimes we can suffer from doing what is right, but fear should not control us, writes Brendan McLean.
Let the mystery be (February 4, 2024)
There is so much we will never know. Isaiah asks us to embrace the mystery and trust God anyway, writes Brendan McLean.
The good death of “Ted Lasso”
There are whispers of a "Ted Lasso" spin-off, but Brendan McLean doesn't want one. Applying the hospice principle of a good death to a beloved story can lead to something profound, he writes.
An Easter mealtime prayer
Brendan McLean offers a prayer that can be used alongside an Easter meal shared with friends and family.
A pastor’s call to watch “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
"Everything Everywhere All at Once" may be absurd and dance with nihilism, but it also contains important lessons connected to the Christian faith, writes Brendan McLean.
A prayer responding to the Turkey-Syria earthquake
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.