I do think that a key aspect of listening to God, to truly hearing God, begins with the invitation to silence.

I do think that a key aspect of listening to God, to truly hearing God, begins with the invitation to silence.
In this passage, God isn't some far-off distant being orchestrating all of creation from afar. No; God is right there with us, suffering with us, holding us as we loosen our grip of “appearing ok,” and crying with us. This is compassion.
That God chooses to dwell with us, and be with us, even to the extent of dining with us. God would participate in what is both a basic necessity and a sacred moment in community, in order to be with us.