Br. John Barker, OFM
Br. John R. Barker, OFM
Remember in school there was always one kid who not only welcomed a scholastic challenge, he doted on it? John Barker was that kid. Academic stuff is my life, he says “This is what I do. It’s my ministry.”
As a biblical scholar and teacher, Br. John, 49, keeps attune to whatever is new about the oldest mechanically printed book in the world. He is completing his dissertation toward his Ph. D. in biblical studies from Boston College.
To many, working on a Ph. D, would be enough, but Br. John's studies don't stop there. He instructs several theology and biblical studies classes at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Somehow he organizes his schedule to include research, field study, writing articles and being a local minister.
He recently wrote an article on the Garden of Eden for The Bible Today. He regularly contributes Week Day Homily Helps for Franciscan Media and has published articles on the gospels. He reads and speaks French, Hebrew, German, Spanish, and Greek. He also reads Latin. When there is a pocket of time, he preaches retreats and days of recollection.
He previously traveled to Israel, Greece and Turkey and he looks forward to taking a group of students back to Israel for six weeks in the fall.
To assure us it is not all work, he adds, “But I do enjoy reading murder mysteries.” Gardening is another of his interests. His preference would be more of a permanent place to plant because they rent at Blesses Giles friary. He also likes to cook and does a lot of that as do the other friars in the house. Br. John said in years back, he enjoyed playing the violin and creating stained glass.
John knows he’s lucky to be doing something he loves, something he does well. “It’s a tremendous blessing to do this and I am thrilled to able to do it,” says Br. John.
Br. John Barker jokes with fellow Franciscan friars Fr. Bob Bruno and Br. Colin King
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