excuse

107 And how do you practice humility in your sacramental confession? It is in your confession that you 'Should humble yourself like a guilty malefactor in the Presence of your Judge. "Humble thy soul to the ancient." [Ecclus iv, 7] This advice comes from the Holy Ghost.
How often do you not try to Appear innocent in the very act of accusing yourself of guilt by excusing ----- now your sins, now by covering or diminishing Their malice, now by putting the blame on others instead of taking it yourself? This is a true lack of humility, and humility of That Which is not of precept but of counsel. You should say with David: "I said I will confess against myself my iniquity unto the Lord." [Ps. xxxi 5] The shame Which Prevents you from your free Confessing Clearly and plainly, eat from pride alone.