Mary, mother of Jesus

Encaustic Virgin

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Eustache Le Sueur

Virgin's first seven steps

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Crèche - bergers

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Wüger Kreuzigung

Mary, Mother of Jesus

Mary, often referred to as the Virgin Mary or Saint Mary, is a central figure in Christianity and is also revered in Islam. She is known for her role as the mother of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the son of God and the Messiah, and whom Muslims regard as a prophet. Mary's significance comes not only from her biological connection to Jesus but also from her veneration as a model of faith and obedience to God. Her life and attributes are detailed in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and apocryphal texts such as the Protoevangelium of James.

Biography

According to Christian tradition, Mary was a virgin betrothed to Joseph, a carpenter, when she received the Annunciation from the Angel Gabriel that she would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit. This miraculous conception is celebrated in Christianity on the Feast of the Annunciation. Mary's response to Gabriel, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38), exemplifies her willingness to serve God and her role in God's plan for salvation.

Mary's other significant moments include the Nativity, where she gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem; the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple; and the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle at her intercession. Throughout the Gospels, Mary is presented as a figure of steadfast faith, present during many of the key moments of Jesus' life, including his Crucifixion.

Veneration

Mary's veneration is most prominent in the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and some Anglican traditions. She is considered the most revered woman in Islam as well. Theological perspectives on Mary include doctrines such as the Immaculate Conception, which teaches that Mary was conceived without original sin, and the Assumption of Mary, which holds that she was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life.

Catholics and Orthodox Christians celebrate several feasts dedicated to Mary, including the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Feast of the Assumption, and the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Marian devotion also takes the form of prayer practices such as the Rosary and the Angelus, and the veneration of Marian images and icons.

Theological Significance

Mary is often referred to as the "New Eve" because of her obedience to God, which Christians contrast with Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. She is also called the Theotokos (Greek for "God-bearer") in Eastern Christianity, emphasizing her role in bearing God the Son. The Council of Ephesus in 431 AD officially recognized this title, affirming the belief in Jesus Christ's full divinity and humanity.

Cultural Impact

Mary's influence extends beyond religion into culture, art, music, and literature, where she has been a subject of reverence, inspiration, and devotion for centuries. Her image appears in countless works of art, and her life and virtues are celebrated in music, poetry, and literature.

Controversies and Criticisms

Debate and criticism of Marian doctrines exist within Christianity, particularly among Protestant denominations, which may reject certain beliefs such as her perpetual virginity and her assumption. Critics argue that such doctrines lack explicit biblical support and may detract from the centrality of Jesus Christ in Christianity.

Conclusion

Mary, Mother of Jesus, remains a figure of immense religious and cultural significance. Her life and legacy continue to inspire devotion and reverence across the world, making her one of the most beloved and venerated figures in human history.