διάκονος

 Luke 10:38-42 has nothing to do with Martha wanting to have Mary help her in the kitchen. The Greek translation uses the verb διάκονος.  The Greek term for doing the work of the deacon.  Notice that Jesus in these verses doesn't come to meet Mary for the first time.  He headed to her home.  Jesus knew this family.  They were disciples and helped him.  That's what the Greek word is saying.  Martha and Mary were serving Jesus.  But Martha was the active one and Mary was the contemplative one.

Jesus says Mary chose the better job.  Prayer comes first before action.  St. Dominic founded contemplative nuns first, in Prouille, France, before he started the friars preachers.  

Prayer leads to action.