I did, however, recently see Tim Burton's angular interpretation of the classic stories in his movie version of Alice in Wonderland. My favorite line in the movie came when the young woman Alice, who had been shrunk at the time, first met the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, and the Doormouse at their thoroughly bonkers outdoor tea party. Alice, we learn, had been to Underland (which she called "Wonderland") as a child, but had forgotten it.Later, when Alice indicates that she has no interest in slaying the Jabberwocky, the Hatter was disappointed, and he remarked: "You've lost your muchness. You were much more muchier before . . ."
I liked the line because it has a Hebrew ring -- in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, when Moses told Israel to "love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength" (NIV), the word translated "strength" actually means something like "muchness." It's usually an adjective used to mean something like "great" or "very much." As a substantive, then, its basic meaning is "muchness."
I won't try to analyze what it was that Alice had lost, but it occurs to me that Lent is a good time for Christians to ask if we have lost any "muchness" in our love for God. Was there a time when we were "muchier" in our faith, our commitment, our service?
Tea party food for thought.
5 comments:
That line was my favorite part of the movie as well. Thanks for your reflections.
C: Tea party food for thought.
I may be a little thick between the ears but I don’t get the connection of this with the rest of the blog.
The remark I wrote about took place at a garden tea party, where there was physical food, and food for thought.
No connection to the current right wing political tea parties!
Thanks for this. I loved the movie and that was one of my favourite quotes as well. The other one was where the white witch said to Alice that, should she dicide to fight the dragon, it must be her own decision, because when she steps out to face him she will do it alone.
Also loved the part where Alice is told that she always seems to be either too small or too big - don't we all feel like that sometimes?
Blessings!
Hey Brother, that was a great message. I also share Christian messages day to day. I came across your message on the blog while searching for muchness. I used the same scripture as you when compiling my message. Here is a a copy of the message i sent.
Have You Lost Your Muchness?
I watched Alice in Wonderland last night in 3D; it was actually quite nice as well as very amusing. While watching this movie though, something or actually someone said something that got me thinking. This was the Mad Hatter, he tells Alice, "You were much more muchier. You’ve lost your muchness."
You might wonder what I am going on about. Well, the question to you is, "Have you lost you muchness?" After hearing this quote, it got me thinking. Remember that time when you just made that decision to follow Christ? You were so in live with Him and "You were much more muchier," for Him. "Have you lost your muchness" for God?
Where is that passion gone? That desire to serve Him whole heartedly? You used to be so close to God, but now you hardly talk to Him or desire to fellowship with Him. Is the Mad Hatter right? Were we much more muchier for Christ? Lol. This funny in a way, but very true though. We start off on fire for Christ but slowly start to die down.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Don’t lose your muchness for Christ. You were much more muchier.
One last question, “Why is a Raven like a writing desk?”
This Is The Word Of God
Enjoy, God Bless You.
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