Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
How do we truly become a better person? On Ash Wednesday 2026, the Very Rev. Malcolm Clemens Young preached at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, reflecting on Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21.
In this powerful Ash Wednesday message, Dean Young explores:
Why morality is shaped by habits, not just intentions
Jesus’ teaching about prayer, fasting, and giving in secret (Matthew 6)
How small daily decisions form our character
The spiritual meaning of the Imposition of Ashes
Why Lent is a season of transformation
Drawing on insights from David Brooks, this sermon examines how our unconscious habits shape who we become—and how Christ calls us to authentic transformation through prayer, generosity, and humility.
Ash Wednesday reminds us that life is short. “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Yet in that humility, we find hope because what we do matters. Our habits form our hearts. Our secret acts of love shape our souls.
📍 Filmed live at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
📅 Ash Wednesday – February 18, 2026
✝️ Imposition of Ashes & Holy Eucharist
If this sermon speaks to you, please like, comment, and subscribe for more preaching and spiritual reflections.
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
How do we truly become a better person? On Ash Wednesday 2026, the Very Rev. Malcolm Clemens Young preached at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, reflecting on Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21.
In this powerful Ash Wednesday message, Dean Young explores:
Why morality is shaped by habits, not just intentions
Jesus’ teaching about prayer, fasting, and giving in secret (Matthew 6)
How small daily decisions form our character
The spiritual meaning of the Imposition of Ashes
Why Lent is a season of transformation
Drawing on insights from David Brooks, this sermon examines how our unconscious habits shape who we become—and how Christ calls us to authentic transformation through prayer, generosity, and humility.
Ash Wednesday reminds us that life is short. “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Yet in that humility, we find hope because what we do matters. Our habits form our hearts. Our secret acts of love shape our souls.
📍 Filmed live at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
📅 Ash Wednesday – February 18, 2026
✝️ Imposition of Ashes & Holy Eucharist
If this sermon speaks to you, please like, comment, and subscribe for more preaching and spiritual reflections.
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
