Mary received God's blessing by being chosen to bear Jesus Christ. The angel Gabriel declared that she was highly favored and had found favor with God. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed that Mary was blessed among women and that the fruit of her womb was blessed. Jesus Christ affirmed that while His mother was blessed, those who hear the word of God and keep it are more blessed. Mary exemplified the qualities described in the Beatitudes, being poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and pure in heart. She endured persecution for righteousness' sake without complaint, demonstrating her acceptance of God's will.

God's blessing upon Mary is an act of His grace, not a reward for her merit. The angel's greeting is not "Hail, Mary, full of grace," as Jerome's Vulgate rendered it, and nothing authorizes prayer to her. The Greek means "Rejoice, Mary, for you have found favor with God." Among all the women of her day, the Lord chose her for the honor of bearing and raising His Son. Mary was an ordinary Jewess of David's line, a pretty good person though not yet converted, and specially prepared for the task. The glory and adoration therefore belong to God, who is the source of her favor and displays His own graciousness, not hers. Mary was thoughtful and patient. She was troubled at the greeting but did not panic, and she kept all these things in her heart. Gabriel convinced her by quoting Isaiah's prophecies of the virgin's son (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7) and by assuring her that no word from God is powerless (Isaiah 55:11). The language of the Holy Spirit "overshadowing" her recalls God covering the Tabernacle, a picture of protection and provision. He also gave her the sign of Elizabeth's pregnancy. Elizabeth repeated the blessing, "Blessed are you among women." Mary submitted unconditionally, as Hannah did, saying, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord!" God prepared her and Joseph as the perfect couple to raise His Son.