Mary, the mother of Jesus, is presented with profound honor in Luke's account as a woman chosen by God for a remarkable purpose. The angel, likely Gabriel, greets her with the words, "Rejoice, Mary, because you have found favor with God," highlighting that she is highly favored among all women of her time to bear and raise His Son. This favor is not due to her own qualifications but is a gracious blessing from God, who is the source of her honor. Mary, an ordinary Jewess of the line of David, was specially prepared for this blessing, though not converted at the time. Her reaction to the angel's message reveals her character; she is perplexed and disturbed by the announcement but remains composed, not succumbing to panic. Luke portrays her as a serious thinker, patient, thoughtful, and wise, noting that she kept all things concerning Jesus in her heart, allowing matters to unfold without hasty conclusions. Alongside Joseph, a kind and caring man, Mary demonstrates humility and submission to God's will. Despite the disruption to their personal plans, both accept God's intervention with a selfless attitude, ready to follow His guidance.

At the marriage feast in Cana, where Jesus Christ performs His first miracle by changing water into wine, His mother, Mary, plays a significant role in the unfolding of events. When the supply of wine fails, creating a potential financial liability and social embarrassment for the bridegroom and his family, Mary prudently approaches Jesus to address the problem, highlighting her concern for the newlyweds and their families. However, when she makes her request, Jesus rebukes her, addressing her as "woman" rather than "mother," indicating that He acts under His Heavenly Father's authority and not hers. This response establishes that Mary holds no authority over Him, even as His physical mother. Despite this mild reprimand for her assumption of authority and inappropriate attempt to influence His actions, Jesus does not deny her a solution. In response, Mary demonstrates both meekness and faith by humbly accepting His words and instructing the servants to follow His commands, showing her trust in Him and her commitment to obedience.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a significant place in Roman Catholicism, where the importance placed on her is readily apparent. When the angel Gabriel addresses Mary, he tells her in his salutation that she is highly favored and has found favor with God. The Greek word translated as highly favored means to grace, to endue with special honor, or to be accepted, indicating the grace and favor bestowed by God. Gabriel emphasizes that Mary is the recipient of this grace, with the focus on what God is doing, implying sweetness, charm, loveliness, joy, and delight in the type of grace given to her. Mary's cousin Elizabeth, inspired to recognize the significance of Mary's unborn Son, calls both Mary and her child blessed, meaning to speak well of or to celebrate with praises. During Christ's ministry, a woman attempts to draw special attention to His mother, but Jesus clarifies that even more blessed is anyone who hears God's Word and obeys it, focusing on attitude and conduct rather than veneration of any human being. In addition to receiving a unique calling and favor by God, Mary is blessed in other ways. Evidence shows she was poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and pure in heart, and thus blessed according to the Beatitudes. She was likely persecuted for righteousness' sake, giving birth to what the world believed to be an illegitimate child, enduring stigma and persecution without complaint, knowing the truth alongside Joseph and God.