Mary, Mother of God

The life of Mary, Mother of God

Mary of Nazareth, the Virgin who gave birth to Jesus Christ and whom the Church honours as the Mother of God. Scripture shows her at the Annunciation, at Christ’s birth, at Cana, at the cross and praying with the apostles before Pentecost.

Born

Not recorded in Scripture. Tradition names her parents Joachim and Anna TraditionProtoevangelium of James

Died

Not recorded in Scripture. The Church keeps her falling asleep and her being taken up into heaven (Shunoyo) TraditionFeast of 15 August

Family

• Parents: Joachim and Anna TraditionProtoevangelium of James
• Betrothed: Joseph, of the house of David ScriptureLuke 1:27
• Son: Jesus ScriptureLuke 1:31; 2:7
• Relative: Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist ScriptureLuke 1:36

1. In Nazareth, betrothed to Joseph, she hears Gabriel’s greeting and answers, “Let it be to me according to your word.”

   ScriptureLuke 1:26–38

2. She visits Elizabeth, who calls her the mother of my Lord, and sings the Magnificat.

   ScriptureLuke 1:39–56

3. She gives birth to Jesus in Bethlehem and keeps all these things in her heart.

   ScriptureLuke 2:1–19

4. In the Temple, Simeon tells her that a sword will pierce her own soul.

   ScriptureLuke 2:22–35

5. She flees with Joseph and the child to Egypt, and returns to Nazareth.

   ScriptureMatthew 2:13–23

6. She finds the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple after three days of searching.

   ScriptureLuke 2:41–51

7. At the wedding in Cana she tells the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.”

   ScriptureJohn 2:1–11

8. She stands by the cross; Jesus gives her into the care of the beloved disciple.

   ScriptureJohn 19:25–27

9. She prays with the apostles in the upper room before Pentecost.

   ScriptureActs 1:14

10. The Council of Ephesus (431) confirmed the title Theotokos, Mother of God.

    History

Sources: The Holy Bible (World English Bible); Protoevangelium of James (2nd century).

Drafted from the Bible and Church tradition. Each line says where it comes from; anything marked Tradition or History is not in Scripture itself. Waiting for review by a priest or editor.

Sundays with Mary, Mother of God

1. 15 August 2027

   Shunoyo: the Assumption of St. Mary

   Gospel: John 19:25–27

   The mother of Jesus, honoured by the Church on this feast.

2. 7 February 2027

   Kothne Sunday

   Gospel: John 2:1–11

   As one of “Mary”: The mother of Jesus, who notices the wine has run out.

   In the story

   • They have no wine John 2:3–4

3. 3 January 2027

   Second Sunday after Christmas

   Gospel: Luke 2:40–52

   As one of “Mary”: His mother, who searches for him and keeps these things in her heart.

   In the story

   • My Father’s house Luke 2:48–50

4. 13 December 2026

   Annunciation to St. Joseph

   Gospel: Matthew 1:18–25

   As one of “Mary”: Betrothed to Joseph, carrying the child of the Holy Spirit.

   In the story

   • Before they came together Matthew 1:18
   • Do not be afraid Matthew 1:20–21
   • Joseph wakes and obeys Matthew 1:24–25

5. 29 November 2026

   St. Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth

   Gospel: Luke 1:39–56

   As one of “Mary”: Newly pregnant, travelling from Nazareth to Judea.

   In the story

   • Mary goes in a hurry Luke 1:39–40
   • The child leaps Luke 1:41–42
   • The mother of my Lord Luke 1:43–45
   • My soul magnifies the Lord Luke 1:46–50
   • The mighty and the lowly Luke 1:51–56

6. 22 November 2026

   Annunciation to St. Mary

   Gospel: Luke 1:26–38

   As one of “Mary”: A young woman of Nazareth, engaged to Joseph. The Church calls her the Mother of God.

   In the story

   • The sixth month, in Nazareth Luke 1:26–27
   • A greeting that troubles her Luke 1:28–29
   • How will this be? Luke 1:34–35
   • Let it be Luke 1:36–38

Also in these readings

• Gabrielഗബ്രിയേൽ2 Sundays
• Josephയോസേഫ്4 Sundays
• Jesusയേശു7 Sundays
• Elizabethഎലീശബെത്ത്3 Sundays
• John the Baptistയോഹന്നാൻ3 Sundays
• The disciple whom Jesus lovedയേശു സ്നേഹിച്ച ശിഷ്യൻ2 Sundays

About the icon

Theotokos Hodegetria, Byzantine icon. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.