There is much noted about Mary in the Gospels, especially in the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s Gospel introduces us to Mary at the event known as the Annunciation—that moment in human history when, in the fullness of time, God intervened in human affairs by offering salvation through the birth of Jesus, God’s son. When the angel Gabriel visited Mary to announce to her that she would be the mother of Jesus, the angel told Mary that  “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. For nothing will be impossible with God.” To this momentous and overwhelming invitation, the young Mary offered a quiet, yet determined “Yes”, saying, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”

The story of the annunciation is Mary’s personal story of faith, trust, prayerfulness, obedience, and courage. These are the personal characteristics which marked her whole earthly life. At the marriage feast at Cana (told in chapter 2 of John’s Gospel) it was Mary who urged her son to begin his public ministry, telling those around Jesus to, “Do whatever he tells you.” Mary guides us in being the model of acceptance and trust so that with confidence, we too, may do whatever Jesus tells us.

It was Mary who followed Jesus along the road as he carried his cross to Calvary. Mary kept vigil at the foot of the cross and would eventually hold the lifeless body of her dead son, Jesus. However, Mary was also a witness to the Resurrection and was gathered with the Apostles when the Holy Spirit was poured out at the first Pentecost. It is clear that Mary is an integral part of the story of Christianity and as Luke notes in his Gospel, “all generations” will call Mary “blessed” (Luke 1:48). In this month of May, let us look to Mary for inspiration, guidance and encouragement so that we may be true and faithful disciples of Jesus the Christ.

Interestingly, throughout the ages, artists have presented images of Mary which have suited the times in which they were painted. Other depictions of Mary are a reflection of a particular belief or ideology about Mary. Whatever the case, Mary remains an inspiration to all who reflect on her life and her character. Mary is for Christians the model of the perfect disciple.

Angelo Gattone - Mission Coordinator