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Mary in Scripture

Mary is described in the gospels as the mother of Jesus and as a model for all who follow him:

  • Chosen and blessed. The angel announces that Mary has been chosen to be the mother of the saviour, whose name will be Jesus. She accepts God’s will: she conceives by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the eternal Son of God becomes a man. (Luke 1.26 38.)

  • Mother of my Lord. Mary visits Elizabeth, who praises her for her faith. Mary glorifies God in her canticle of thanksgiving: God has made her blessed for all ages. (Luke 1.39 56.)

  • Mother of the saviour. Jesus is born as the saviour of the world. Mary receives the shepherds and the wise men, and ponders the meaning of all these events in her heart. (Luke 2.1 20; Matthew 1.18 2; 12.)

  • Presentation. In obedience to the law, Mary and Joseph present the child in the temple. Simeon prophesies that Jesus will save the nations and that Mary’s heart will be pierced by a sword, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. The family returns to Nazareth, where Jesus grows in wisdom, age, and grace. (Luke 2.22 40.)

  • Finding Jesus in the temple. After Jesus becomes a son of the law at 12, he remains in the temple for several days. When Mary and Joseph find him, they are amazed at this first hint of his mission from his Father. Jesus returns to Nazareth with them and is obedient to them. (Luke 2.41 52.)

  • Cana: At Mary’s request, Jesus works the first of his signs, changing water into wine. (John 2.1 11.)

  • Obeying God’s will. Jesus tells us that all who obey the will of his Father are close to him. (Read Matthew 12.46 50; Mark. 3.31 35; Luke 8.19 21.)

  • Praise of his mother. When someone praises his mother, Jesus adds that all who hear God’s word and keep it are also blessed. (Luke 11.27 28.)

  • Calvary. Mary stands near Jesus’ cross as he is dying. Our Lord entrusts his mother to the beloved disciple. (John.19: 25 27.)

  • Waiting for Pentecost. In the days before Pentecost, Mary is with the apostles and disciples as they pray constantly for the coming of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1.1 14.)