The question of why the Blessed Virgin Mary was chosen to give birth to Jesus, the Son of God, is deeply rooted in Christian theology and has immense mystical and spiritual significance. Mary, a central figure in the Christian faith, is seen as the pinnacle of salvation history, having played a unique role in the fulfilment of the divine plan for the redemption of humanity. Her selection is not based solely on human criteria, but is the result of a divine choice, guided by grace, faith and divine will.

The purity and Immaculate Conception of Mary

One of the fundamental reasons why Mary was chosen to become the mother of Jesus is her unique purity. According to Christian doctrine, Mary was born without original sin, a condition that has affected all human beings since the fall of Adam and Eve. This dogma is known as the Immaculate Conception, officially proclaimed by the Catholic Church in 1854, but widely venerated long before that date. It affirms that, from the first moment of her conception, Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin in view of her exceptional mission: to be the mother of the Saviour.

God, in his infinite wisdom, willed that Mary should be pure, without blemish, so that she could be a vessel worthy of receiving the Son of God into her womb. This purity was not only physical, but also spiritual. Mary was totally devoted to God, and her life reflected perfect obedience and faith. She was preserved from any form of corruption or sin, because she was to give birth to Jesus, who himself is free from sin and destined to redeem mankind.

Mary's humility and faith

Aside from her purity, Mary's humility and faith are essential elements that explain why she was chosen to give birth to Jesus. Mary, though young and living in humble circumstances, showed exemplary faith from the moment she received the announcement from the Archangel Gabriel at the Annunciation. Luke's Gospel recounts this moving encounter, when Gabriel tells her that she will conceive and bear a son, who will be called the Son of the Most High.

Mary's response, "I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), is a model of total faith and surrender to the divine will. She did not doubt or hesitate, despite the immensity of the mission entrusted to her. This unconditional acceptance of God's plan demonstrates profound trust and humility. She does not seek glory or honour, but sees herself as a simple servant of the Lord, ready to carry out his will.

It was this humility that attracted divine favour. God often chooses the humble and the small to accomplish his greatest designs. Mary, by her simplicity and pure heart, became the instrument through which God would manifest himself in the world, in a spirit of service and sacrifice.

The link with the messianic promise and the Scriptures

The choice of Mary is also closely linked to the messianic promises of the Old Testament. For centuries, the prophets had announced the coming of a Saviour, a Messiah who would deliver Israel and all humanity from the slavery of sin. In particular, the prophet Isaiah prophesied that "a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This prophecy finds its perfect fulfilment in Mary, who, as a virgin, conceives by the Holy Spirit and gives birth to Jesus, the awaited Messiah.

Mary's role in the plan of salvation is therefore inscribed in the Scriptures. She represents the fulfilment of the divine promises made to Israel, but also the new Eve, the one who, by her "yes" to God, makes amends for Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Whereas Eve, by her disobedience, introduced sin into the world, Mary, by her obedience, enables God to restore the original order and offer redemption to humanity.

The role of divine motherhood

Divine motherhood is another key element in the choice of Mary. By becoming the mother of Jesus, Mary becomes not just the mother of a man, but the mother of God incarnate. The dogma of the Theotokos, proclaimed at the Council of Ephesus in 431, recognises Mary as the "Mother of God", because Jesus, her son, is both fully God and fully man. This mystery of the union of the two natures in the person of Jesus makes Mary's maternity a unique event in all of human history.

Mary's role as mother is not only physical, but also spiritual. She nurtures, protects and raises Jesus in the Jewish faith, accompanies him in his first human steps, and remains present throughout his mission. Her heart is always aligned with that of her son, as shown by her discreet but essential presence at crucial moments in Jesus' life, such as at the wedding feast in Cana or at the foot of the cross.

An intercession for all humanity

Mary's choice to give birth to Jesus extends beyond her role in the incarnation. She also becomes a figure of intercession and compassion for all humanity. After her Assumption into heaven, Christians believe that Mary continues to intercede for the Church and the faithful, like an attentive mother who watches over her children. By accepting to become the mother of Jesus, Mary also becomes the spiritual mother of all believers.

This is why Mary is so often invoked in prayer, with titles such as "Our Lady", "Queen of Heaven" or "Mother of Mercy". She is seen as a compassionate mediatrix, close to those who are suffering or in need of divine help. This role of intercession stems directly from her unique bond with Jesus and her perfect obedience to God's will.

Conclusion

The choice of the Blessed Virgin Mary to give birth to Jesus was no accident, but a deliberate act on God's part, based on her purity, faith, humility and central role in fulfilling the divine promises. In Mary, God found a heart totally open to his grace, a humble spirit and a pure body, ready to receive the most precious gift heaven could offer to earth: his own Son.

Mary embodies the perfect human response to God's call, and her role in salvation is both sublime and profoundly human. She shows that God chooses the humble and the small to carry out the greatest works, and that by fully accepting the divine will, humanity can actively participate in God's plan of redemption.