Authority and miracles

Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his own town and in his own home.” And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. (Matthew 13: 54-58)

Jesus' miracles are not mere ends in themselves but serve to guide disciples in the understanding of the spiritual meaning of His Teachings. Jesus is called “Master” because He teaches us about holiness with authority. He does so even with the help of miracles and wonders. But it is because of this very authority that His fellow citizens of Nazareth, out of envy or banal underestimation, do not acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Hence, Jesus decides not to perform miracles for them as they would be "wasted", that is to say, they would not be “understood.” Lord, may you help us thirst more for your authority than for your wonders.