Hostias
Quatuor Debussy Lyrics

The lyrics of "Hostias" by Quatuor Debussy convey a profound and reverent plea to the Lord, addressing him directly and offering him praise and prayers. The first verse expresses a gesture of offering hostias (sacrifices) and preces (prayers) to the Lord, acknowledging his supreme presence and authority. This demonstrates a deep spiritual connection and a desire to communicate with the divine.

The second verse emphasizes the act of offering these prayers and sacrifices specifically for the souls of the departed, whose memory is being honored on this day. It signifies a ritual of remembrance and perhaps a form of seeking divine intervention or mercy for the departed souls. This act of remembrance and supplication seeks to involve the divine in the process of honoring and remembering those who have passed.

The lyrics then implore the Lord to receive these prayers and sacrifices on behalf of these souls, asking for their transition from death to life. This can be interpreted as a plea for the souls to find peace and spiritual fulfillment beyond the mortal world, perhaps alluding to the belief in an afterlife or a higher state of existence. The language used here is both reverent and hopeful, reflecting a profound trust in the transformative power of the divine.

In the final verse, there is a reference to a promise made by the Lord to Ahrahee and his descendants. This can be seen as a reminder of the covenant or divine plan that includes the promise of eternal life or salvation. The mention of this promise adds a layer of significance to the plea for the departed souls to transition from death to life, framing it within a broader narrative of divine grace and fulfillment of promises. Overall, the lyrics of "Hostias" evoke a sense of spiritual devotion, reverence, and hope for a transcendent journey from mortality to immortality.