"The theme of the Apostles’ unbelief recurs several times: they do not believe the testimony of Mary Magdalene who tells them that she saw Jesus alive; they also do not believe the testimony of two other disciples who met Jesus "as they were on their way into the country." Finally, Jesus himself, appearing to them "while they were at table," rebukes them "for their incredulity and obstinacy." The Apostles’ persistent and almost stubborn unbelief is an important aspect that the New Testament revelation has transmitted to us, without eliminating or 'softening' it. So many times in history attempts have been made to attack the Christian belief by saying that the resurrection of Jesus is a myth constructed by the community of his first disciples, the result of collective exaltation or posthumous glorification of the master, as happened in many other religious beliefs of the past. In fact, the very striking testimony of the Gospel accounts contradicts all these assumptions. Jesus’ group of disciples was not in a state of 'collective exaltation' at all. On the contrary, the Gospels tell us that they were fearful, distressed and dejected. Nor do we find an attitude of easy belief in them, or an inclination toward religious mysticism. Indeed, it is clear, as we have heard from today’s Gospel, that the very idea that Jesus was still alive seemed incredible to the Apostles. It was extremely difficult for them to convince themselves that Jesus had conquered death! Thus, the Apostles’ very unbelief is a strong sign of the credibility of the Gospel. At the heart of our faith is not a myth, not a collective illusion, not a legend created by the community for the purpose of consolation. No! The foundation of our faith is a fact: Christ is risen! Christ has truly conquered death!"