Countering the "Evils From Within"

In today's Gospel, Jesus describes what defiles us:  the "evils from within", not those that enter from the outside.  (cf. Mk 7:14).  Further on in this passage he lists them, lest there be any question:  "From within the man , from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly." (Mk 7: 23).  Frightening, as we recognize one or more as having too much power over us in our lives.  Yet, they need not dominate, conquer nor discourage us.
We read in the first reading at Mass from the fist Book of Kings, (1 Kgs10:1-10) how the Queen of Sheba, having heard of the wisdom of Solomon, came to see for herself if the stories were true, and was not disappointed.  In her awe and amazement she showered him with treasures of jewels, talents and spices...not realizing that these material things could not come close to matching his true wealth, a wise and discerning heart.  At this point in his life, Solomon seemed to have conquered the "evil from within", but his later life shows that he too succumbed to its overpowering influence ..until he repented on his deathbed.
St. Richard, the Pilgrim, who lived in the early 700's in England, on the other hand, although little known about him  by  people outside of the British Isles, shows us that goodness and good example can do miracles against the power of evil.  He died on a pilgrimage to Rome, but had already directed his three chilldren toward the path of holiness.  All three are recognized as saints:  Willibald, Winebald and Walburga, along with himself. All four faced these same evils within, but remained faithful to God.  If they could do it, with God's grace, so can  we.  That's why so often in the Scriptures we read, "Fear Not...I am with you." That's what we must do to counter the evil from within.
Bro. Rene