Mary grew up during a difficult time in her country. Her people lived under the control of the powerful Roman Empire. This made many people long for their freedom. There were many opinions on how to gain this freedom, and this difference of opinion sometimes developed into violent conflict.
A woman in Mary’s time worked hard to maintain a home for her family. She not only had to cook the meals and wash all of the clothes, but she also had to grow much of the food and even weave the cloth to make the clothes. There was no running water, so she had to make daily trips to a well and carry water back to the house.
Faith in God was an important part of the lives of Mary and the people of her country. They followed religious laws that were intended to prepare them for the coming of a Messiah, or Savior, who would liberate them.
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior." (Luke 1:46–47)
Mary grew up learning about the promise of the Messiah. When she was a young girl, Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph. Before they were married, she received a vision of an angel who asked her to be the mother of the Messiah she had waited for her whole life. Mary accepted, saying "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). When Mary accepted her role as the Mother of the Savior, she knew that he was her Savior as well. She exclaimed her gratitude to God in her prayer we call the Magnificat.
Being the mother of Jesus was not an easy task. Mary’s life was full of great joys and great sorrows. Mary and Joseph were poor people, so they both worked hard to provide food and shelter for Jesus. Mary raised her son in the traditions of her culture, presenting him in the temple when he was a baby and taking him to Jerusalem for the religious festivals. Since she knew who Jesus was and what his mission would be, it would have been a huge responsibility! During one trip to Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph lost Jesus. Since he was only 12 years old, they were very worried about him, and searched the city for three days. They finally found him in the temple, preaching to the elders and teachers.
When Jesus was an adult and began preaching, Mary accompanied him. She asked him to perform the miracle at Cana, in which he turned water into wine. Mary was completely faithful to the message that Jesus preached, and she was confident that he would grant her request. She instructed other people who were there to "do whatever he tells you.”
Mary was also with Jesus when he carried his cross. She witnessed the terrible deeds that others committed against him. Because of her faith, Mary did not leave Jesus when he was suffering, even though it would have been a painful experience for her. She stood at the foot of the cross still listening to him and trying to comfort him. It was there that Jesus entrusted all of us to her care. This mission was very close to Mary’s heart. She comforted the Apostles and prayed with them after Jesus' Ascension into heaven. Mary was with the Apostles when they received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and watched them depart for many different countries to spread the Good News of God’s love.
