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Are We Living in a Computer Simulation? A Christmas Message

Sermons from Grace Cathedral

Release Date: 12/25/2025

The Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young show art The Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young

Sermons from Grace Cathedral

The Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA 2G6 5 Lent (Year A) 11:00 a.m. Eucharist Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm 130 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45

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The Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush show art The Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush

Sermons from Grace Cathedral

The Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, California March 15th, 2026, 11 a.m. Eucharist Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Psalm 119:1-8 Hebrews 9:11-14 Mark 12:28-34  

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Thirst, Baptism, and the Woman at the Well show art Thirst, Baptism, and the Woman at the Well

Sermons from Grace Cathedral

The Rev. Br. Richard Edward Helmer, Precentor Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA The Third Sunday in Lent, March 8th, 2026, 11 a.m. Eucharist Exodus 17:1-7 Romans 5:1-11 Psalm 95:1-7 John 4:5-42

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Faith After Dark show art Faith After Dark

Sermons from Grace Cathedral

The Rev. Canon Mary Carter Greene, Canon Pastor Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA Sunday, March 1st, 2026 11 a.m. Eucharist Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 121 Romans 4:1-5,13-17

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Desire, Safety, Power: The Three Temptations that Rule Us show art Desire, Safety, Power: The Three Temptations that Rule Us

Sermons from Grace Cathedral

The Very Rev. Malcolm Clemens Young Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA 2E4, O5 1 Lent (Year A) 11:00 a.m. Eucharist Sunday February 22nd, 2026 Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11

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How to Become a Better Person show art How to Become a Better Person

Sermons from Grace Cathedral

The Very Rev. Malcolm Clemens Young, Dean Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA 2G3, V5 Ash Wednesday 6 p.m. Imposition of Ashes & Eucharist Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 Joel 2:1-2,12-17 Psalm 103:8-14 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

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Standing on the Shoulders of Giants show art Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Sermons from Grace Cathedral

The Rev. Br. Richard Edward Helmer, Precentor Grace Cathedral San Francisco, CA The Last Sunday after the Epiphany, February 15th, 2026, 11am Choral Eucharist   Exodus 24:12-18 Psalm 99 2 Peter 1:16-21 Matthew 17:1-9  

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The Very Revd Andrew Tremlett show art The Very Revd Andrew Tremlett

Sermons from Grace Cathedral

The Very Revd Andrew Tremlett Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, London UK   "But we speak God’s wisdom, a hidden mystery" (1 Cor. 2.7) At the heart of the Christian gospel is Christ crucified – a message which baffles the wise and the powerful. But how does this Gospel speak into an era of deep cultural change, where the old norms are passing away before our eyes and yet the future is uncertain. St Paul encourages to β€˜own’ the message of redemption; to realise that this Gospel will confound many; and, as we prepare for Lent, to know that Christ’s redeeming love begins in the...

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Peacemakers During a Spiritual Crisis: What Does Blessing Mean Anyway? show art Peacemakers During a Spiritual Crisis: What Does Blessing Mean Anyway?

Sermons from Grace Cathedral

The Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA 2E1 4 Epiphany (Year A) 11:00 a.m. Eucharist Sunday 1 February 2026   Micah 6:1-8 Psalm 15 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12

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The Rt. Rev. Austin Keith Rios show art The Rt. Rev. Austin Keith Rios

Sermons from Grace Cathedral

The Rt. Rev. Austin Keith Rios Bishop, Diocese of California   Preached on Sunday, January 25th, 2026 Grace Cathedral San Francisco, CA   Isaiah 9:1-4 Psalm 27:1-9 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23

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Are we living in a computer simulation, or are our lives more meaningful? In this Christmas Eve sermon from Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Malcolm Clemens Young explores how the Christmas story offers a powerful counter-narrative to our technological age.

 

Drawing on philosophy, literature, and personal experience, this sermon addresses:

  • The difference between digital consciousness and embodied spirituality
  • How God speaks through silence, ordinary moments, and even tragedy
  • Finding meaning beyond the "American dream" narrative
  • Experiencing God's presence rather than just proving God's existence
  • The Christmas message: "You are loved by God"

 

Featuring insights from Nick Bostrom's simulation theory, The Matrix, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, and reflections on grief, joy, and the peace that surpasses understanding.

 

Perfect for anyone questioning meaning in modern life, seeking spiritual depth during the holidays, or exploring how ancient wisdom speaks to contemporary challenges.

πŸ“ Grace Cathedral, San Francisco πŸ“– Scripture: Isaiah 62:6-12, Psalm 97, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:8-20 πŸŽ„ Christmas Eve 2025

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