Mary, Mother of Jesus

Biography

Mary was a young woman of Nazareth, betrothed to Joseph, when the angel Gabriel announced that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear a son to be called the Son of the Most High, whose kingdom would have no end. Though she asked how this could be, since she was a virgin, Mary's response set the pattern of faithful submission: 'Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.' Mary traveled to visit her relative Elizabeth, and upon hearing Elizabeth's greeting, burst into the song known as the Magnificat, praising God for exalting the humble and remembering His mercy to Israel. She endured the social risk of an unexplained pregnancy, gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, and treasured the shepherds' testimony and Simeon's prophecy in her heart, including his warning that a sword would pierce her own soul. Mary's presence continues through the Gospels: at the wedding in Cana where she prompted Jesus' first miracle, occasionally misunderstanding her son's mission, and finally standing at the foot of the cross where Jesus, in His dying moments, entrusted her care to the apostle John. After the resurrection, Mary is recorded among the believers gathered in prayer in the upper room awaiting Pentecost, joining the community of faith rather than occupying a position of unique authority. Scripture records nothing further of her life or death.