NEW DELHI, Dec. 19 -- Recently, Pope Francis began his Bahrain trip with these words, "Let us reject the logic of weapons and change course, diverting enormous military expenditures to investments in combating hunger and lack of health care and education." The words are a powerful warning to the world leaders and those engaged in senseless wars and terrorist activities. This and other speeches of Pope Francis, the modern-day prophet, remind us of the Old Testament prophets who courageously confronted the powerful leaders and authorities.

A prophet teaches the truth. He calls a spade a spade. He courageously points out the flaws in the society and calls people to mend their ways or face the inevitable consequence of perishing. A prophet ...