In the Acts of the Apostles, which we read through the Easter season, Luke describes the development of the church mainly through the missionary efforts of Peter and Paul. In the later chapters of Acts it’s mostly Paul. 

But it’s important to recognize they’re not the only ones who make the church grow. After Jesus ascended into heaven, forty days after his resurrection, a group of his followers go back to the upper room in Jerusalem, Luke reports.  One of them is Mary, the mother of Jesus. 

All are eyewitnesses to what Jesus said and did before he ascended into heaven. They have a key role in the development of his church. Not only have they seen and heard what Jesus said and did, they have prophetic gifts for preaching and teaching and guiding other believers. Inspired by the Holy Spirit they tell others what that mystery means. They told others then; they tell us now, they will tell those who come after us. They’re permanent eyewitnesses.

Here’s Luke’s description of them: “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they entered the city they went to the upper room where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” (Acts 1, 12-14)

Though Luke singles out Peter and Paul, this larger foundational group is at the heart of the church’s growth. He wouldn’t want us to forget these  “eyewitnesses” in that growing church. Luke especially wouldn’t want us to forget Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Mary is the key eyewitness. She witnessed the birth and origin of Jesus Christ and she also was a witness to his death and resurrection. 

Early pilgrims to the Holy Land often brought home relics and icons to recall their visit, like the icon pictured above. It represents Mary’s role as eyewitness. She knew he was God’s Son, not the “son of a carpenter.

She also knew he was crucified under Pontius Pilate and rose again on the third day.

She is his most important witness. We remember her this month, May.