“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”… Matthew 7:7. In a world full of noise, silence can be sacred. For the Deaf community, silence is not a limitation, it’s a language, a culture, and a way of life. It’s also a powerful space to encounter God. This is just the truth of what we expect as we prepare for our Deaf retreat under the deeply spiritual and empowering theme: “Ask, Seek, Knock.”
While contemplating on where to host this year’s Deaf retreat, the Church of Ascencion in Woodman Dr, Kettering quickly came to my mind. A serene environment away from daily distractions, ready to play host many Deaf Catholics from Cincinnati, Dayton, Kentucky, Columbus, Michigan, interpreters, and Deaf ministry leaders to experience a deeper connection with God. Slated to take place on Saturday, October 18, this retreat promises to be special not only because of the theme but the way it has been structured to enrich the participants visually, communally, and spiritually. It begins at 8:30 am with registration, followed by other activities like talks on the theme, group sharing, Rosary, Adoration, Confessions, and a Holy mass at 3:00 pm. While the registration is free and still going on, I encourage our Deaf brothers and sisters to make use of this opportunity to attend this beautiful event and an encounter with the Lord.
The verse from Matthew 7:7 is more than just words; it was a visual prayer. Every session, every worship time, every conversation in sign language reflects the invitation Jesus gives to all of us: to ask boldly, to seek intentionally, and to knock persistently.
ASK: Lifting our prayers with hands and hearts.
In the Deaf community, asking doesn’t always come with spoken words. During this retreat, participants are encouraged to “ask” God from their hearts through signed prayers, silent meditation, and group discussions. We ask a favor from God because of the level of trust we have in Him.
SEEK: Searching for God’s presence.
To “seek” God is to look deeper, not just for blessings, but for God’s presence in every part of our lives. Participants will have the opportunity to relate with the experience of some biblical characters who also sought God in uncertain times like Moses, Hannah, and the blind and the Deaf men Jesus healed by Jesus.
KNOCK: Taking the Next Step
Knocking takes courage. It’s an act of faith, of reaching out even when we’re unsure of what’s behind the door. The retreat will also encouraged participants to knock on God’s door not just for themselves, but for their families, churches, and the Deaf community. “God opens doors no man can shut,” Rev. 3:8.
A retreat of this nature is not only going to bring about individual growth, it aims to foster unity through vision and voice, build a stronger, united Deaf Catholic Community, promote visual worship, and inclusive communication through which everyone will be seen, heard, and valued. Our group sharing will center on the lessons from the Gospel of Matthew 7: 7 and how to apply them in our day-to-day living.
God is not far. He invites us to ask with confidence, seek with our whole heart, and knock without fear. In silence, in sign, and in spirit, we heard God say: “Welcome. I have been waiting.”
Fr. Charles Onumaegbu
Chaplain, Deaf Ministry