In the time of Christ banquets and feasts were frequently public events. That is why we hear of onlookers coming to hear the conversation between the guests. Not only that left over food would be given to the poor. The danger of public humiliation should you be asked to take a lower place would be real. Since we no longer live according to the same customs of the first century AD what is the message of the Gospel for us today? I think the key phrase is: "in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid." (Lk 14: 12). Such an attitude speaks of social climbing and ambition for status that shuts out God. To invite "the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind" (Lk 14: 13) is to anticipate the messianic banquet when such people will be restored. In the Gospel of Matthew it states that after the cleansing of the temple: "The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them." (Mtt 21: 14) The repayment for a host who invites people who cannot repay is to occur at the "resurrection of the righteous." (Lk 14 14) In what way do my personal actions reflect my Christian hope? In what way does my conduct reflect my faith in God's promises? to whom do I offer friendship and hospitality and from what motives?
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