Just asking (20): is having a Jesus on the cross such a blasphemy?

I was raised throughout in Catholic schools.
So it was no big deal to see a “statue” or so-called “idol” of crucified Jesus on the cross, blood dripping from ribs and thorny crowns gripping into the forehead.

That changed when I found Christ through Protestants.

The journey took a one eighty degrees.

I detested any image, any statue in church buildings.
Not to labor in any Bible arguments, legend had it that when Pompeii went into the Holy of Holies in the Israelite temple, he remarked that he didn’t see God there.
Presumably it was meant as a sarcasm angling at the resident being missing in the residence!

But it was a good argument.
Any image and statue would be flaunting the Ten Commandments.
No Bible believing Protestants would do such an idolatry acts.
Only Catholics do.

Besides, hasn’t the Gospel proclaimed that “He’s risen” and “He’s not here”?

A simple cross with no one on it is the most biblical retelling piece of architecture in a church building.
Akin to empty grave.

No angels.
No Mary.
No crucified Jesus.

Triumphant theology in praxis.

Then one night I woke up and I tried to pray in my mind.
The mercy of God appeared the closest at that moment.
And I recalled the Catholic crucified Jesus on the cross in churches.

It wasn’t so much of a re-crucifixion of Jesus.
It was more like a reenactment of Jesus saying “Forgive them Father for they don’t know what they are doing”.

That is what Jesus has been treating all those of us sinners.
He is full of grace and mercy.
And above all, understanding.

It’s no longer offensive to look at a cross with a crucified Jesus on it, for it is that Jesus who always forgives, and always praying for our forgiveness.

I am not reneging on my Protestant root, even theology.
I’m just asking.