In this homily, we reflect on the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist and the haunting fear of Herod, a man enslaved by his own guilt and sin. Through Matthew 14, we see how unrepented sin binds the heart, creates fear, and distorts our vision of God. Yet the message of John the Baptist—and of Christ Himself—remains clear: Repent. To repent is to turn back to God, the only One who can truly forgive, heal, and set us free. Through Scripture and a simple, powerful story, we are reminded that no mistake is beyond God’s mercy, and no guilt is stronger than His love. God waits for us with open arms, even when we forget to listen.