The Space Between Us

 

The Space Between Us

 

In Agaposofia, "the space between us" is interpreted as both a relational and ontological concept, deeply tied to love (agape) and the presence of the divine. This space is not a void but a dynamic field of grace, where the relational nature of human beings is revealed and fulfilled; depending upon the will and decisions made by persons in the encounter. 

The Space as Sacred Ground

The space between us is charged with potential divine energies (Grace), where the Logoi of each person meet. This intersection is not merely a ‘meeting of individuals’ but the contact moment and space between two or more persons; it is a participatory eikon of the relational life of the Holy Trinity, where love flows unceasingly between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

As beings created in the eikon theou (Image of God), this space becomes the arena for synergy—a co-working of human intentionality and divine action to realize unity in love. 

Alterity and Ikon in the Space

The space preserves the alterity (otherness) of the Other, affirming their unique personhood as an image of God. It demands a response of reverence and care, for within this space, we encounter the divine in the Other. 

This relational space is an agapic ethical call to recognize the Other as an ikon—a reflection of Christ. Love for the Other thus becomes love for God, as being-in-love is inseparable from being-in-Christ. 

Union Without Absorption

In Agaposofia, love bridges the space without annihilating it. The space is not erased but transformed into communion. This reflects the mystery of divine-human relations, where union with God occurs without losing one’s personal identity (hypostasis). 

 Existential Fulfillment Through Love

This spatial moment is a manifestation of upward emergence, where the complexity of separation and distance gives way to the simplicity of love and unity. It is ontologically an emergence of a “New Man”. Such emergence of renewal of (God intended) our Self as it can be described as a soft trauma yet not quite the ekstasis as exampled in St Paul’s life. Still, we are noticeably (at least to ourselves) changed in this lived experience.  This emergence is rooted in the logos innate within us.  If in this encounter, we have made the correct agapic decision and consequent action that is for the betterment of the Other we will have known it was all in downward immanence—the divine presence that fills and sustains the space between us; that strengthens the personal logos. 

Through this synergistic intentionality, the space between us is sanctified, becoming the fertile ground for another step towards theosis (deification) as we love and work toward the fullness of relational being.

In Agaposofia, "the space between us" is not a limitation but a gift, an opportunity—a sacred arena, the spatial moment, where the transformative power of love reveals the divine purpose of human existence: to move from separation into communion, always grounded in the presence of God.

Yes of course, the opposite can be a potential depending upon what choices and consequent actions we take in such an encounter. We know this when we hear Christ’s own words, “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me’.” [cf. Matthew 25:35-48]