It begins with the knowledge that we are loved by God - are children of God, who desires only the best for us. They, as well as the ditches and valleys, trouble travelers. Make straight the paths. Those that twist and turn fatigue the pilgrim greatly. Our life too contains many hills, valleys and tortuous ways which can be put right only by penitence.
Penitence fills up the valleys, lays low the mountains, makes straight and smoothes the ways.
The sight of our great faults brings with it a certain horror and shock, a certain fear and terror which unnerves the heart and often leads it to discouragement. These are the ditches and valleys that must be filled up for Our Lord s coming. The Sermons of St. Francis de Sales, Vol. True repentance also has a communal aspect. Changed lives will be in the world in a different way.